|
|
|
02 Apr 2007
About 40 per cent of UK businesses believe that software piracy is increasing, according to the latest research from The Federations Against Software Theft’s latest annual survey results. Therefore it is essential that resellers understand the legal complexity of software licensing and compliance and pass the benefit of this knowledge on to their customers.
The survey of nearly 300 UK businesses revealed a shocking attitude to software theft and piracy, as firms admit to being aware of the illegal use of software by staff, but do very little to discipline those responsible.
However, 63 per cent of respondents believe that resellers have a responsibility for ensuring that software licences are not lost and 31 per cent agree that publishers and VARs have a duty to simplify delivery and tracking to improve licence management.
Based on this, software vendors need to be confident that their resellers are educated on software licensing and compliance and can pass this knowledge on to their customers.
The channel should work towards achieving certifications in the software arena. A recognised certification programme should involve intensive training and an in-depth look at software compliance and the law surrounding licensing.
End-users can suffer greatly as a result of poor service from a VAR. For example, not being eligible for technical support from the manufacturer at a later date because they have been sold upgrades, rather than full licences. However, certification ensures that resellers have a thorough knowledge of software licensing and compliance, which translates into a recognised standard that customers know will guarantee legal paperwork.
With the quality of counterfeited software out there today it is easy for firms to be lured into buying products that could get them in trouble.
A certification group should work to a strict code of practice that guarantees client confidentiality for firms that require software-licence guidance before they can achieve compliance.
Software licensing has become complicated, while it is now easier for users to become non-compliant. It is important that resellers are on top of it, that they are unified and that they can provide coherent advice and guidance to their customers.
Related articles
In this video find out about the fast-growing Chinese vendor's plans for market domination and how the channel is its route of choice
Find out what gifts Acer has in store for partners for 2012 in this exclusive roundup of its recent conference
CRN's premier networking event is back on 17 May at the Ricoh Arena
Date: Thu 17 May 2012
Channel fighters preparing to square up once more on 24 May
Date: Thu 24 May 2012
The proliferation of endpoint devices within the enterprise has highlighted the shortcomings of one of the traditional approaches to data security
This Forrester report compares the costs and benefits of legacy email and productivity software with Google Apps
Dave discovers that rozzers are seemingly living in the technology dark ages
Mark Needham, founder of distributor Widget, argues that John Browett leaves for Apple with Dixons in better shape than when he arrived
|
|
|
Do you agree?
Have your say