NASSCOM, BSA launch anti-piracy hotline

NEW DELHI: Business Software Alliance (BSA) and NASSCOM have announced the launch of a new anti-piracy hotline in order to check software piracy in India, which resulted in the loss of $367 million in 2004.



The anti-piracy hotline number 1600110033 is toll free and any individual reporting under-licensing and/or use of illegal software at a workplace may qualify for a reward of up to Rs five lakh, subject to terms and conditions.



To help businesses understand the damaging effects of piracy and under licensing, BSA and NASSCOM will also be launching anti-piracy marketing campaigns. The campaigns would also focus on the youth segment, especially Indian students.



Speaking on the occasion, BSA Asia-Pacific VP and regional director Jeffrey Hardee said, "The launch of anti-piracy hotline validates BSA's vision to help all businesses address licensing issues and maximize their software resources."



He added that the benefits of curbing piracy in India are enormous. Citing an IDC economic study, he said that a 10 point drop in India's piracy rate from 2003 to 2006 could add $2.1 billion to GDP, create more than 48,000 new jobs and generate $92 million in tax revenue.



Speaking on the occasion, NASSCOM president Kiran Karnik said, "Awareness plays a very important role in curbing piracy. The NASSCOM-BSA alliance would work closely with software resellers to educate end customers and corporate about the perils of piracy, as usage of pirated software not only stifles innovation, but also impacts the growth of domestic market."



In addition to the hotline, concerned parties can report corporate end-user piracy via the BSA website at www.bsa.org/india and also obtain information on software asset management (SAM) and download SAM tools on a free-to-use trial basis.