Pooja Sharma
New Delhi
November 5th, 2007
A desire to educate partners about the hazards and disadvantages of using
pirated software, coupled with an intention to handpick faulty partners selling
pirated versions of its operating system, was what motivated Microsoft to
initiate its anti-piracy drive. Though the company has been carrying on with the
drive for a while now, the big question is, how successful has it been in this
attempt? Has the drive really worked or was it just another initiative that
looked good on paper?
On contacting the partners and associations a few striking facts were brought
out. The Jalandhar Computer Dealers's Association (JCDA) and Progressive Channel
Association of Information Technology (PCAIT), Delhi were two associations roped
in by the company to assist them in their initiative. While both were all praise
for Microsoft's efforts, they also had a few suggestions to give.
Rajiv Khanna, President, JCDA, stated that the drive was a successful one and
the association made every effort to make Jalandhar a piracy free zone. At
least, 70 percent to 80 percent of its members feared going against the
association and accepted the initiative. In the process five or six members were
caught, but instead of punishing them right away the association held talks with
Microsoft's representatives and ensured that the partners did not indulge in the
activity again, and hence were saved from being blacklisted. Thus it was a two
way process, while assisting the company the association also made sure members
were not banned. The entire process was carried out by way of informing the
partners, through circulars, mails and holding meets, and thereby motivating
them.
"Partners looking for long-time business welcomed the decision and
implemented the same. However, one cannot say that the campaign has produced 100
percent results. It has certainly been able to curb the piracy market to an
extent but there are still other faulty partners who are active and eating into
the business," opined Khanna.
On the other hand, PCAIT was all praise about the awareness drive that
Microsoft had initiated. But there were a few areas of concern that were
required to be addressed, as far as the drive was concerned. In the first place
the company carried out only one training program. There was a requirement to
prepare a roadmap for the drive and then keep the momentum going but after that
one program no further initiatives were taken up.
Another problematic area was that in the whole process the roles kept changing.
If one person initiated this drive, then a second person came into the picture
later. As a result the drive could not be carried out smoothly and effectively.
"In February this year, we held our annual general meeting and that time
round the representatives from Microsoft took a 15-20 minute slot from us and
explained the hazards of using pirated products while educating members about
the license and the myths surrounding it. But thereafter the program never
picked up. We are in fact still waiting for them to continue with the
drive," stated Saket Kapur, Secretary, PCAIT.
In the waiting list
While few associations, have already backed Microsoft in their 'Promote
Genuine' drive, there are other associations who are waiting for the company to
rope them in as well. Kolkata-based Compass (Computer Association),
Gujarat-based Surat IT Association (SITA) and Bangalore-based Association for
Information Technology (AIT) are just a few among the lot. KL Lalani, President,
Compass said, "Microsoft had approached us on a few occasions but things
never materialized thereafter. However, given an opportunity, the association
will certainly assist the company in their drive. Dealers should work in
accordance with the company, with a positive mind frame."
Echoing his words, Ketan Patel, President, SITA, said that around 10 months
back there were talks going on with Microsoft but that did not take any final
shape. However, they themselves had taken the initiative a few weeks back and
while organizing a mobility laptop show, they advised partners to stay away from
pirated software. Jayessh Mehta, President, AIT said that the company has never
approached their association. However he added that if they did, members would
accept the initiative whole-heartedly.
Current drivers
At the moment, Microsoft has roped in Bhoj Information Technology and Office
Automation Association (BITOAA), Bhopal and Panipat Computer Dealers Association
as well. Both the associations are equally excited about the drive and have
resolved to assist the company at every step.
Ajay Singla, President, Panipat Computer Dealers Association mentioned that
they will hold meetings and engage in all activities to curb piracy. On the
other hand, Ashish Jain, President, BITOAA opined, "The drive is a first of
its kind in Bhopal and will create awareness among partners, which will further
help us operate in a healthy environment."
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Associations have mixed comments about Microsoft's anti-piracy drive
Pooja Sharma
New Delhi
November 5th, 2007
A desire to educate partners about the hazards and disadvantages of using
pirated software, coupled with an intention to handpick faulty partners selling
pirated versions of its operating system, was what motivated Microsoft to
initiate its anti-piracy drive. Though the company has been carrying on with the
drive for a while now, the big question is, how successful has it been in this
attempt? Has the drive really worked or was it just another initiative that
looked good on paper?
On contacting the partners and associations a few striking facts were brought
out. The Jalandhar Computer Dealers's Association (JCDA) and Progressive Channel
Association of Information Technology (PCAIT), Delhi were two associations roped
in by the company to assist them in their initiative. While both were all praise
for Microsoft's efforts, they also had a few suggestions to give.
Rajiv Khanna, President, JCDA, stated that the drive was a successful one and
the association made every effort to make Jalandhar a piracy free zone. At
least, 70 percent to 80 percent of its members feared going against the
association and accepted the initiative. In the process five or six members were
caught, but instead of punishing them right away the association held talks with
Microsoft's representatives and ensured that the partners did not indulge in the
activity again, and hence were saved from being blacklisted. Thus it was a two
way process, while assisting the company the association also made sure members
were not banned. The entire process was carried out by way of informing the
partners, through circulars, mails and holding meets, and thereby motivating
them.
"Partners looking for long-time business welcomed the decision and
implemented the same. However, one cannot say that the campaign has produced 100
percent results. It has certainly been able to curb the piracy market to an
extent but there are still other faulty partners who are active and eating into
the business," opined Khanna.
On the other hand, PCAIT was all praise about the awareness drive that
Microsoft had initiated. But there were a few areas of concern that were
required to be addressed, as far as the drive was concerned. In the first place
the company carried out only one training program. There was a requirement to
prepare a roadmap for the drive and then keep the momentum going but after that
one program no further initiatives were taken up.
Another problematic area was that in the whole process the roles kept changing.
If one person initiated this drive, then a second person came into the picture
later. As a result the drive could not be carried out smoothly and effectively.
"In February this year, we held our annual general meeting and that time
round the representatives from Microsoft took a 15-20 minute slot from us and
explained the hazards of using pirated products while educating members about
the license and the myths surrounding it. But thereafter the program never
picked up. We are in fact still waiting for them to continue with the
drive," stated Saket Kapur, Secretary, PCAIT.
In the waiting list
While few associations, have already backed Microsoft in their 'Promote
Genuine' drive, there are other associations who are waiting for the company to
rope them in as well. Kolkata-based Compass (Computer Association),
Gujarat-based Surat IT Association (SITA) and Bangalore-based Association for
Information Technology (AIT) are just a few among the lot. KL Lalani, President,
Compass said, "Microsoft had approached us on a few occasions but things
never materialized thereafter. However, given an opportunity, the association
will certainly assist the company in their drive. Dealers should work in
accordance with the company, with a positive mind frame."
Echoing his words, Ketan Patel, President, SITA, said that around 10 months
back there were talks going on with Microsoft but that did not take any final
shape. However, they themselves had taken the initiative a few weeks back and
while organizing a mobility laptop show, they advised partners to stay away from
pirated software. Jayessh Mehta, President, AIT said that the company has never
approached their association. However he added that if they did, members would
accept the initiative whole-heartedly.
Current drivers
At the moment, Microsoft has roped in Bhoj Information Technology and Office
Automation Association (BITOAA), Bhopal and Panipat Computer Dealers Association
as well. Both the associations are equally excited about the drive and have
resolved to assist the company at every step.
Ajay Singla, President, Panipat Computer Dealers Association mentioned that
they will hold meetings and engage in all activities to curb piracy. On the
other hand, Ashish Jain, President, BITOAA opined, "The drive is a first of
its kind in Bhopal and will create awareness among partners, which will further
help us operate in a healthy environment."