MUMBAI, INDIA: Mumbai-based Trade Association of Information Technology (TAIT) has announced that Microsoft has agreed to resolve the anti-piracy cases that were pending against some association members.
Briefing about the same, CW Kadwadkar, executive secretary, TAIT said, “We had numerous meetings internally and with Microsoft officials to resolve the issue. During our final meeting with Satish Pokhriyal of Microsoft and the affected parties, we pleaded our case to the vendor to take a lenient stand and clear the effected parties from all legal liabilities and settle the matter internally. It was then that Microsoft decided to resolve the matter.”
Refusing to divulge the names of partners who were charged for dealing with pirated software, Umang Mehta, director, TAIT said, “It would not be fair to reveal the names of the partners but as far as the current litigation by Microsoft is concerned, close to 12 partners across Mumbai were charged. But now it’s a win-win situation for both Microsoft and partners as these partners have pledged to promote genuine software in the region.”
TAIT has been working closely with Microsoft to promote genuine software and educate channels about its benefits.
“We had several meetings and sessions with the vendor, where the channel interacted with Microsoft on opportunity for profitable business of promoting genuine software. The channel took the opportunity to complain about the hurdles that prevent them from selling genuine software. Microsoft has assured partners that they will look into the matter,” added Mehta.
Speaking about the measures the association would be taking to promote the sale of genuine software across Mumbai, Chetan Shah, VP, TAIT said, “TAIT, in association with MS will educate partners about the value of selling genuine software, earn from services, deployment and maintenance of the same. Also, we will jointly help partners to convince their customers to buy genuine software through right messaging, banners, posters, brochures, etc.”
Emphasizing the need to marginalize and eliminate piracy, Kadwadkar said, “We are committed to help set-up our industry to sell legal and genuine software. We will work closely with Microsoft to help train and educate our members in this regard.”
Members felt this was a welcome step from Microsoft and it would go a long way to ensuring higher compliance levels. It would also ensure healthy margins for partners.