Bangkok--Nov 2--PC & Associates Consulting
BSA announces:
Imminent crackdown against use of pirated software in the workplace
405% increase in leads through BSA hotline/web
Successful End User and Internet raid
End of Software Asset Management campaign
The Business Software Alliance (BSA) reported that, following on from the large number of leads received from members of the public in the last few weeks, the BSA would be seeking to take a number of actions against those companies using pirate or unlicensed software in the work place.
Mr. Tarun Sawney, BSA's Director for Anti Piracy, Asia, noted that “Since September 19, when BSA announced that it has doubled the rewards for information about the use of unlicensed or infringing software in the workplace from Bt 250,000 to Bt 500,000, the response from the public has been overwhelming.”
“Leads through the BSA hotline and website increased 405%, from an average of 18 calls per 6 weeks before the increase in the reward amount to 91 calls between September 19 to October 31, the deadline date for the reward....and the leads are still coming in! Many people have provided us useful information on those using unlicensed software in the work place and the BSA is now about to follow up with action against such offenders.”
Mr Sawney pointed out that one raid against a company manufacturing radio, TV and X-Ray equipment had already taken place at the end of September. As a result of this raid 50 PCs were examined and unlicensed copies of software from Adobe, Autodesk, Macromedia, McAfee, Microsoft and Symantec to the value of 3.8 Million Baht were found. The police are now following up on this case and BSA is also filing a civil lawsuit against the firm.
BSA, meanwhile, with the help of the police, continued its crackdown on Internet software piracy. The latest Internet piracy raid was conducted on October 31, 2005. The raid led to the successful arrest of the pirate and the seizure of the computer, CD burner, printer and other equipment used to make and package copies of software. The software being sold over the Internet via mail delivery included software belonging to Adobe, Autodesk, Macromedia and Microsoft. This enforcement reaffirms BSA’s mission to promote a safe and legal digital world.
Mr Sawney said, “There is still a small window of opportunity for those companies using unlicensed or pirate software to get legal. Failure to do so can lead to both criminal and civil action, seizure of assets and unnecessarily increase business risk. We urge companies to conduct an audit of their software and to get legal.
BSA, meanwhile, also ended its Software Asset Management (SAM) Program, that enabled companies to audit and report their software usage to BSA and thereby, subject to the reports being accurate, not be subjected to enforcement action for a set period of time.
To report software piracy in the workplace and get the chance to claim a Bt 500,000 reward, call the BSA Anti-Piracy Hotline at 1800 291 005, or 0 2711 6193, or log onto the website: www.bsa.org. The identity of all callers will be treated in the strictest confidence.
About BSA
The Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the foremost organization dedicated to promoting a safe and legal digital world. BSA is the voice of the world's commercial software industry and its hardware partners before governments and in the international marketplace. Its members represent one of the fastest growing industries in the world. BSA programs foster technology innovation through education and policy initiatives that promote copyright protection, cyber security, trade and e-commerce. BSA worldwide members include Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Avid, Bentley Systems, Borland, CNC Software/Mastercam, Internet Security Systems, Macromedia, McAfee, Microsoft, PTC, SolidWorks, Sybase, Symantec, The MathWorks and UGS. BSA regional members in Asia include Minitab and Trend Micro.
In Thailand, BSA works closely with the Association of Thai Software Industry (ATSI), Association of Thai Computer Industry (ATCI) and Prevention and Suppression of Intellectual Property Infringement Committee in the promotion of intellectual property rights.
NEWS RELEASE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pranee Chalermtanasak
PC & Associates Consulting Co., Ltd.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0 2971 3711 End.