The Business Software Alliance (BSA) says Johannesburg-based air charter company, Rossair Contracts, has paid a R100 000 settlement in a legal case over the use of unlicensed software.
The case is the latest in a series of crackdowns on unlicensed software use in SA.
Andrew Lindstr"om, chairman of the BSA, says software piracy is still a serious problem in SA, with the latest International Data Corporation report stating that the current rate of piracy in the country stands at 38%.
"It`s imperative that organisations become more proactive in their software asset management and maintain strict control over aspects such as the licensing of software. Applications downloaded from Internet sites also need to be monitored. Employees don`t realise the risks involved when downloading software from the Internet and far too often they have an `it`s not my problem` attitude," says Lindstr"om.
"Using software without a licence is illegal. It is absolutely essential that companies have software management policies in place to ensure that all employees use licensed software. Failure to do so can result in a large fine and thousands in legal fees."
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