By making a request for assistance with an independently-conducted software review, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has pioneered a move that Microsoft SA is hoping will become a more regular occurrence in corporate SA.
The software review - which is likely to straddle an estimated 3000 PCs - will be conducted by consulting firm, KPMG.
Software reviews are carried out to ensure that all software being used by end users, or corporations, is legal - and that usage is also within the boundaries of volume license agreements with Microsoft.
Mark Reynolds, in charge of Microsoft SA`s anti-piracy and legalisation drive, said SABC`s attitude is "refreshing". "I really think they should be commended for their positive attitude. Software piracy and software abuse is a major problem in this country. Software piracy was a staggering 47% in SA last year and costs the country well over R580 million in lost revenue per annum and an estimated 8 000 in lost jobs."
Reynolds said another major problem is that too many companies do not manage their software properly. This often results in "unwitting piracy" or abuse of software license agreements. "A large number of corporates are hugely under-licensed. If they were to approach and treat their software like any other important asset, this problem would be substantially reduced. We certainly hope more companies take SABC`s lead and request assistance with software reviews - this is really the only way to find out if there are any licensing anomalies," said Reynolds.
Tinus Wolmarans, IT manager of client support at SABC, said Microsoft had taken on a "collaborative and pro-active approach" in its attitude towards the software review. "Not only has the company`s anti-piracy team engaged positively with us, but the company, in conjunction with KPMG, will be suggesting the most cost-effective method of approaching - and managing - our licensing agreement with them in the future."
SABC`s request for a software review follows hot on the heels of the launch of Microsoft SA`s License Management Programme, a programme specifically aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses to gain knowledge and control over software assets - as well as recognising those companies who are Microsoft software compliant.
The new programme aims to empower selected Microsoft channel partners to conduct software audits at end users.
KPMG was selected as one of 20 License Management partners.
For further information, readers are urged to visit www.microsoft.com/southafrica/licensing/lman
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