Bootcom Systems takes Microsoft to court

In view of the constant harassment and extortion by Microsoft to sell genuine
software, Bhopal-based Bootcom Systems has filed a case against two of the
company's representatives-IPR Specialist Satish Pokhriwal and Nirupam
Bhattacharya, Area Sales Manager, Bhopal/Indore. Microsoft has been issuing
notices to dealers across the country to sell genuine software. According to
dealers, the company has been resorting to unfair means and putting unnecessary
pressure on them, adding to their woes.

Elaborating further, Prakash Gupta, Proprietor, Bootcom Systems, Bhopal
mentioned, "Microsoft has always adopted a policy whereby the company puts
unnecessary pressure on its channel partners to sell their products. At times,
the company goes to the extent of filing false cases against dealers and raiding
their offices." Both Pokhriwal and Bhattacharya have been asked to appear before
the court on Dec 12.

Gupta further added that the matter was brought to the notice of the court
only after the local police station refused to register his complaint against
the company. "I tried to lodge a complaint against the false allegations that
the company had put on me but was turned away by the local police station. I had
no option but to take legal recourse. These officials not only abused me but
also threatened to kill me. They alleged that I sell pirated versions of
software and also involved Rakesh Sharma, the local police station in-charge in
the process," alleged Gupta.

This is not the first time that Microsoft has tried to harass dealers. On Oct
20 this year, Pokhriwal and Bhattacharya had raided three dealers in the region
including Bhopal-based Latest Infotech and Netlink Computers and Indore-based
Natcom.