The SA Post Office has paid R711 392 after it was found to have been using unlicensed software on its computers, says the Business Software Alliance (BSA).
The BSA says the Post Office was instructed to remove all copies of Network Associates' McAfee anti-virus software from its computers and pay civil damages.
Christopher Bray, Network Associates regional director for sub-Saharan Africa, says this case should serve as a wake-up call for the public and private sector to start taking software piracy as a serious matter.
"It is imperative that local organisations become proactive in their software asset management and understand that you need a licence to run a software application. The settlement with the SA Post Office is just another example proving that no matter how large your organisation is or how prominent it is, software piracy will not be tolerated."
Bray says although the Post Office has been Network Associates' worst violator to date, it has several other even larger companies in their sights.
"We urge South African companies to understand that ignorance is no excuse and that a lack of a decent software asset management policy within an organisation will result in not only significant financial penalties but also a knock to one's reputation."
He says to minimise the risk and expenses associated with software piracy, companies should conduct thorough and accurate software audits on a regular basis.
The SA Post Office had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publishing.
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