Bangkok--9 Apr-- The Association of Thai Software Industry Forms Strategic Bond with Business Software Alliance in Promoting Software IPR ? Software organizations sign pact to counter software piracy ? BSA strengthens connections to local software developers through ATSI ? ATSI benefits through BSA educational capabilities, international processes and standards Bangkok - Two leading software associations formed a pact today to jointly promote the Thailand software ecosystem, by collaborating on creating further awareness of the need to establish a strong intellectual property rights regime for the long term future of the software industry. The Association of Thai Software Industry (ATSI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Business Software Alliance (BSA), an international trade association established by the software industry to promote a safe and legal digital world, as part of initiatives to strengthen Thailand’s protection of intellectual property rights for software developers. “We are pleased to join with BSA in our efforts to support Thailand’s software developers and the IT industry,” said Somkiat Ungaree, President of ATSI. “Software development is an integral part of Thailand’s economy and has the potential to drive future development. Together, ATSI and BSA can make a positive difference for the software industry in Thailand.” The MOU calls for close collaboration between BSA and ATSI to generate greater awareness of the value of intellectual property and to encourage tougher enforcement of intellectual property laws by the authorities,These are crucial factors that will help attract foreign direct investment and enhance the growth of Thailand’s IT sector. Thailand’s PC software piracy rate is unchanged over the last four years at 80%. Meanwhile, other nations in Southeast Asia have been making significant progress in promoting intellectual property rights protection, which has resulted in notable reductions in software piracy rates in recent years. "Thailand can strengthen the growth of its IT sector by intensifying its anti-piracy and educational efforts, which are critical initiatives in developing an environment conducive for the development of a healthy software industry. However, piracy remains a threat that must be neutralized so the country can reach its full potential. BSA is pleased that the ATSI is firmly committed to supporting joint educational and anti-piracy initiatives,” said Roland Chan, Director of Marketing, BSA, Asia. There are multiple facets to the MOU that will seek to promote better intellectual property rights protection. These include: ? ATSI’s agreement to ensure its members comply with the copyright laws of Thailand and advocate respect for intellectual property rights; ? BSA’s agreement to offer special consideration to ATSI members who apply to become members of BSA. ? ATSI’s full support for BSA’s anti-piracy initiatives. Another important facet of the MOU includes BSA’s agreement to educate ATSI’s members on Software Asset Management (SAM) which is a practice that has become essential in today’s business world. It is a set of policies, procedures, technologies and people within an organization — working towards common objectives that allow organizations to take full advantage of all its software. “SAM is a crucial business practice that addresses serious financial, productivity, security and legal issues relating to the use of software,” added Chan. “IT investments can be very significant in businesses today. As such, it is only natural for management to seek evidence of clear returns on their investment. SAM helps ensure the maximization of productivity and security through careful management.” BSA has been at the forefront of global efforts against cyber crime. Its initiatives focus on educating consumers on software management and copyright protection, cyber security, trade, e-commerce and other internet-related issues. Established in 1988, BSA has programs in more than 80 countries worldwide. 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, Corel, McAfee, Microsoft, Monotype Imaging, PTC, Quark, Quest Software, Siemens PLM Software, SolidWorks, Sybase, Symantec and The MathWorks. BSA regional members in Asia include Agilent Technologies, Altium, BEA Systems, Frontline PCB Solutions - An Orbotech Valor Company, INUS Technology, Mindjet, Minitab, SPSS, Tekla and Trend Micro. BSA local affiliates include Thai Software Enterprise. About ATSI ATSI is a trade association aims to promote software industry in Thailand and promote local industry standard to meet the world’s excellence. ATSI currently has more than 200 member companies.