Microsoft has WGA rethink
Software giant simplifys programme following end-user criticism
Microsoft has simplified its Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) anti-piracy technology following end-user criticism.
As revealed by CRN Online, WGA requires end-users to allow Microsoft to remotely check the authenticity of their Windows software (CRN, 2 May). However, Microsoft has created a standard end-user licence agreement that it has claimed will more clearly explain the purpose of WGA.
The technology also no longer checks for a genuine Windows version at every log-on.
Michala Alexander, UK head of Microsoft’s anti-piracy programme, told CRN that WGA is a constantly evolving programme.
“We are responding to the negative feedback we had on the programme from end-users,” she said. “These are the issues end-users were most concerned about.”