BSA urges channel to join the war on piracy

Resellers are central to helping combat high levels of software piracy in UK

The channel has a vital role to play in helping to overcome UK piracy, according to the Business Software Alliance (BSA).

Figures released from a joint IDC/BSA study revealed that the UK piracy rate had increased in 2008 to 27 per cent, a 0.04 per cent rise on 2007, but one which equates to £1.49bn in lost revenue for the UK economy.

But with the impact of the 2009 economic downturn yet to register, IDC predicted that piracy levels will increase next year.

Marcel Warmerdam, research director of IDC IT markets, said: “In difficult times, companies hold onto PCs longer and that can increase piracy levels as they deploy more software packages onto older machines. It does not look good for next year.”

The BSA also reiterated its intention to prosecute companies that blatantly flout the law. The organisation revealed that so far this year, the value of legal settlements in the UK is 25 times higher than in the same period last year.

Alyna Cope, license compliance programme manager at Autodesk, said firms would often turn to resellers first rather than deal with vendors directly.

“Resellers are often leaving money on the table by not helping customers to manage and control their software assets and keep a track on licensing,” she said.

Julie Strawson, former chairman of the BSA, agreed. “The channel is suffering as much as software vendors,” she said. “Resellers have a huge role to play in education; in fact, their role is vital.”

Robert May, managing director of VAR Ramsac, said: “We are currently picking up lots of competitors’ clients and it is shocking how often we find clients using software illegally.

“Our policy is straightforward. We inform them of their liabilities and responsibilities, advise them of any comeback they may have on the previous incumbent, quote them to rectify the problem immediately and refuse to offer any ongoing support until they are legitimate.”