Microsoft's talk with associations evokes mixed response

Amrita Tejasvi New Delhi, April 20

In a bid to further enhance its drive to bring down piracy in
the market Microsoft has been seeking cooperation of the channel associations
across the country. The global giant has accorded with Jalandhar Computers
Dealers Association (JCDA), Indore-based MP Telecom and Computer Traders
Association (MPTCTA), Bhubaneshwar-based Information Technology Association of
Orissa (ITAO) and Udaipur-based Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

While the company has been promising associations active support
for the channel community, the association members are not exactly ecstatic
about the venture. "Executives of Microsoft held a meeting with us in this
regard and asked us for cooperation to drive the campaign. Our members are ready
to promote original software but we need proper support from the company.
Company executives promised us training programs and sales support but as of
now, we have not got any help. The level of satisfaction at our end has not
touched the optimum scale as we expected more from the company," clarified
Rajiv Khanna, President, JCDA.

When contacted the members of Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and
Industry denied having any knowledge about such dialogues and clarified that no
meeting had taken place with the company. "I do not have any knowledge as
far as talks with Microsoft is concerned. We are nowhere related to IT and are
not involved in checking piracy business," stated Manish Galundia,
Secretary General, Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

On the other hand, members of MPTCTA were happy with the support
and backing that they have got from Microsoft. The drive has incurred positive
impact in various regions and partners are optimistic with the level of drive.
Explained Manoj Ajmera, President, MPTCTA, "We are optimistic about the
efforts that Microsoft is putting to curb piracy. We are in regular dialogue
with the company's representatives and inform them about the support that our
members need."

Microsoft has opened a local office in Indore which is educating
and creating awareness about the use of genuine software at customer's end
also.

Similar sentiments were expressed by members of ITAO. They were
very positive with the steps taken by MS and were hoping that genuine software
will soon become popular in the market. "Microsoft had talks with our
association and has given us support and services for its anti-piracy awareness
campaign. The company is doing a good job in driving the campaign and it has
also promised to conduct seminars and awakening programs," elaborated
Rajesh Dora, President, ITAO.

According to Microsoft, their main objective in roping in
associations is to bring awareness among end-customers and to encourage partners
to shell out piracy business and understand the value of original software in
the long run.

Explaining the company's point of view Douglas Hauger, COO,
Microsoft Corporation (India) said, "We are in talks with the four channel
association and they can actually help the customers in differentiating between
pirated and original software and making them understand its value. Efforts at
their end can bring significant impact on the entire ecosystem."

Microsoft also confirmed that since the drive has taken place, there has been
reduction in piracy business by almost two percent in the Indian market and that
the company is confident that the percentage will only increase in the coming
days.