BSA calls for resellers to shop clients

In a new initiative aimed at reducing levels of pirate software in UK businesses, the British Software Alliance is encouraging resellers to report customers that they believe are using illegal copies of programs.

It comes after the BSA pointed out that despite some recent successes against major pirates, illegal software rates are failing to fall suggesting that many organisations must still be using copies of programs.

The organisation claims that software rates within the UK are at 27 per cent, and remaining stubborn, with the figure remaining the same for the past three years.

Speaking about the initiative Najeeb Khan, a representative for the BSA, explained that the anti-piracy group wanted to encourage resellers report, or engage in positive discussion with customers in an attempt to cut down on the use in illegal software.

"If a reseller comes across pirated software in a customer’s account it may not tell the BSA out of loyalty to its customer. However, the VAR should try to address this issue and tell the customer it makes the relationship uncomfortable.

"Resellers may fear that they will lose an account if they confront a customer about illegal software, yet the customer will usually address the issue and stay with the VAR out of respect.

"Resellers should ask themselves – do I really want to be doing business with a partner that has ignored my requests to address its illegal software?"

It is a sentiment echoed by Michala Wardell, head of anti-piracy for Microsoft. "Business software companies need to ensure that the reseller community is aware of the dangers of trading in counterfeit software and the repercussions it has on both software retailers and the UK economy.

"Software pirates are denying genuine resellers the chance to form relationships with customers that could go on to purchase other services and products from them."