In its latest step against fighting software piracy in SA, Microsoft SA`s anti-piracy and legalisation drive is to request that over 2 000 clients conduct licensing reviews to confirm software compliance.
Software reviews are conducted to check for software compliancy as part of the company`s Open Compliance Assurance programme.
Last year more than 1 500 Microsoft users were requested to conduct software reviews.
Ana Stark, newly-appointed legalisation manager for small and Medium-size business at Microsoft`s anti-piracy and legalisation division, said letters should reach the 2 000 clients by late September. Clients will then be requested to return the completed reviews within a four-week period.
"The request for self audits is not a combative step. We see it, rather, as a way to assist clients to ensure that they stay within the boundaries of their software licensing agreements, as well as to assist them with overall software management. Users are also able to make use of special Microsoft auditing partners - who are fully equipped, and accredited - to assist with software reviews. These special partners were appointed during the fourth quarter of last year as part of the company`s Microsoft License Management Programme (MLMP)."
The MLMP was created to assist end-users to acquire added insight and control over their software assets. Stark said the programme - specifically focused on the small to medium business sector - also empowers these MLMP partners to apply for software compliance certificates on completion of a review. This accreditation is issued by Microsoft and is recognised for one year.
"Microsoft continually works with customers to ensure they are fully licensed for the Microsoft software they are using. We know that software compliance can be daunting for businesses that don`t have the knowledge or tools to manage their software assets. We also recognise that people sometimes unknowingly use software illegally and we want to assist them to become compliant where possible," she said.
For further details on software piracy, users can visit the local piracy-focused Web site at www.microsoft.com/southafrica/piracy/howtotell.
For further information on the company`s new licensing management programme, visit www.microsoft.com/southafrica/licensing/lman.
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