Microsoft declares war on software pirates

423 end users shoppped their suppliers in September alone

Microsoft is expecting a spike in the number of illegal software dealers it catches, following the launch of new piracy detection technology.

The software giant currently takes legal action against about one UK reseller a week, but expects that number to rocket over the coming months.

Clarion Computers in Swansea, Surf-IT Computers Ltd in Farnborough, Little Laptop Shop in Huddersfield and Custom PC Shop in Telford are among those with which Microsoft has recently reached settlements.

At the end of August, Microsoft launched its Office Genuine Advantage programme, which notifies customers that are running illegal copies of Office.

In September, 423 end users followed up on the notifications by reporting their suppliers. That is a 600 per cent increase on the 67 leads Microsoft received in September 2008.

Michala Wardell, anti-piracy manager at Microsoft UK, said the vendor had launched a ‘huge programme’ to follow up on those leads.

“We expect the number of traders we are taking action against to increase dramatically,” she confirmed.

Wardell urged Microsoft’s legitimate channel to play a role in the crackdown.

“A lot of the counterfeit complaints involve online traders who pop up for a few months before disappearing,” she said. “The challenge is they look like professional outfits, so when resellers see it they need to tell us.”

Early feedback from the Genuine Advantage programme suggests that 25 per cent of the Microsoft Office install base is counterfeit product - roughly in line with IDC figures showing UK software piracy rate stood at 28 per cent last year.

However, Wardell suspected the figure could be higher and said there was a huge opportunity for the legitimate channel to cash in.

“If consumers report a high-quality counterfeit and have proof of purchase, they will get a free copy,” she said. “But some want to be anonymous, and there is an opportunity for good traders to work with small companies to get them on the right track.”

Wardell added: “I often hear from resellers that are frustrated by the piracy they see and want Microsoft to take more action Ð now we really are taking action.”

Lee Bevan, managing director of VAR Leapfrog AVIT, said: “I am against piracy. But I understand why people do it. If the software were available at the right price, people would pay for it.”

Adam Harris, chief executive of the Technology Channels Association, said: “If Microsoft has managed to find a way to find people who are selling or distributing illegal software, it is a good move.”