No Microsoft raid in Indore for the next three months

Amrita Tejasvi

New Delhi: Microsoft and Indore based IT association MPIT and Telecom
Association (MPTCTA) have agreed to make joint efforts to reduce piracy in the
market. In order to encourage that effort, Microsoft has agreed not to raid any
of the dealers for the next three months on the grounds that the association
would lend its support to stop sales of counterfeit software.

Commenting on the joint effort, Brian Cambell, Director, Genuine Software
Inititative, Microsoft, said, "Microsoft is working closely with the channel
association in Indore which is keen on supporting Microsoft's anti-piracy
initiatives. This is a very positive step and will go a long way in driving the
understanding and appreciation for original software. Under our agreement with
the Indore channel association, Microsoft will not take any legal action against
errant dealers in the city till a period of three months, after which a review
will be done."

Speaking on the matter Manish Goyal, President, MPTCTA said that after
Microsoft (MS) sent legal notices to few dealers in town, the association wanted
to hold a discussion with MS so that such instances are not repeated in future
and dealers get all the requisite support to drive genuine software in the
market. "To drive original software in the market the foremost requirement is
that customers understand its value. Through Microsoft's support we would take
initiatives to create this awareness among the software buyers," said Goyal.

According to the Indore Association, Microsoft would initially distribute
educative brochures and pamphlets to all the dealers for creating awareness
among customers and the Association as well as Microsoft would keep a check to
ensure that piracy is not practiced.