MS resolves piracy issue with TAIT

Mumbai

May 26, 2008

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 effected parties, we pleaded our case to the
vendor to take a lenient stand and absolve 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 channel 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.