Maximizer Software, which opened a local office in Johannesburg in September, has launched an amnesty campaign aimed at allowing illegal users of the company`s Maximizer CRM product to register and obtain a legal upgrade to the latest version.
The amnesty programme will run until the end of November and has been designed "to encourage people to talk to us, unlike many so-called piracy campaigns which tend to put people off completely", says Maximizer MD Marcus Potts.
He says the need for the campaign arose when the company researched its customer base and found that a number of users were using its software illegally.
"The reasons for this range from customers being unsure of the registration process, to having registered with a third-party believing it was the manufacturer, and even some who have been unsure of the original origin or legitimacy of their software," he says.
"We recognise that Maximizer is the kind of software that entrenches itself into an organisation and many companies have become very reliant on the package.
"The reality, however, is that because of pirated software, only select users know the full scope of the product`s new functionality and ability. The sooner users get registered with us, the sooner we can get them up to speed with the latest technologies and in turn boost their abilities with the product," says Potts.
He says customers can register their software with Maximizer either online, through e-mail or via fax.
Each registrant will be offered an upgrade from their existing program to the latest release, although a nominal charge per licence will be levied, no matter what the customer circumstance.
"The illegal use of software, in any form, is theft. However, we wish to reassure our South African users who are in any doubt as to the validity of their Maximizer that we are prepared to wipe the slate through the amnesty scheme."
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