08/10/2002
BSA offers £10,000 reward for software piracy information
The Business Software Alliance (BSA), a watchdog group representing the world’s leading software manufacturers, has announced a new reward campaign to step up their efforts to combat software piracy in Northern Ireland.
A reward of up to £10,000 will be paid to persons providing the BSA with information concerning illegal internal business copying and use of software. This information will enable the BSA to take successful legal action against persons illegally copying software of BSA member companies.
The size of the reward offered reflects how seriously the software industry takes this issue. According to the latest estimates, the software piracy rate in the UK stands at 25%, that is, more than 1-in-4 business software packages is in use illegally. This high rate of piracy cost the UK software industry £290 million in 2001 resulting in lost jobs, wages, tax revenues and a potential barrier to innovation and product development.
Julian McMenamin, Chairman for BSA Ireland, said: “At a time when political correctness and company ethics are important, employees may take a moral stance and report current or former employers for illegally copying software. Indeed IT managers themselves may report employers if they are forced to copy software due to budget restrictions imposed by management.”
Persons with information regarding infringement and software copying can contact the BSA confidential helpline number on 08000 327 100. Their identity will remain anonymous to the public.
Julian McMenamin added: “We believe this move is necessary in order to receive pertinent information. The offer of a reward has been successful as an incentive to many employees in producing leads of unlawful software use around the globe. Similar campaigns have been conducted by the BSA across Europe.”
BSA represents much of the world’s software and various internet organisations before governments and with customers in the international marketplace.
Educating computer users on software copyrights, BSA advocates public policy that fosters innovation, expands trade opportunities and fights software piracy.
BSA Ireland members include Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Bentley Systems, Macromedia, Microsoft and Symantec.
(SP)
A reward of up to £10,000 will be paid to persons providing the BSA with information concerning illegal internal business copying and use of software. This information will enable the BSA to take successful legal action against persons illegally copying software of BSA member companies.
The size of the reward offered reflects how seriously the software industry takes this issue. According to the latest estimates, the software piracy rate in the UK stands at 25%, that is, more than 1-in-4 business software packages is in use illegally. This high rate of piracy cost the UK software industry £290 million in 2001 resulting in lost jobs, wages, tax revenues and a potential barrier to innovation and product development.
Julian McMenamin, Chairman for BSA Ireland, said: “At a time when political correctness and company ethics are important, employees may take a moral stance and report current or former employers for illegally copying software. Indeed IT managers themselves may report employers if they are forced to copy software due to budget restrictions imposed by management.”
Persons with information regarding infringement and software copying can contact the BSA confidential helpline number on 08000 327 100. Their identity will remain anonymous to the public.
Julian McMenamin added: “We believe this move is necessary in order to receive pertinent information. The offer of a reward has been successful as an incentive to many employees in producing leads of unlawful software use around the globe. Similar campaigns have been conducted by the BSA across Europe.”
BSA represents much of the world’s software and various internet organisations before governments and with customers in the international marketplace.
Educating computer users on software copyrights, BSA advocates public policy that fosters innovation, expands trade opportunities and fights software piracy.
BSA Ireland members include Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Bentley Systems, Macromedia, Microsoft and Symantec.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 October 2001
Countdown begins for illegal software users in NI
Watchdog group Business Software Alliance (BSA) is to hold the first ever software legalisation campaign in Northern Ireland. Representing the world’s leading software manufacturers in a campaign to combat the high use of illegal software in businesses, BSA is to hold a 30-day unlicensed software “Countdown”.
Countdown begins for illegal software users in NI
Watchdog group Business Software Alliance (BSA) is to hold the first ever software legalisation campaign in Northern Ireland. Representing the world’s leading software manufacturers in a campaign to combat the high use of illegal software in businesses, BSA is to hold a 30-day unlicensed software “Countdown”.
17 October 2002
NI businesses urged to audit IT systems
The Business Software Alliance (BSA), a watchdog group representing market-leading software manufacturers, are urging all businesses in Northern Ireland to conduct regular reviews of their software use to ensure that they are fully compliant and not in danger of incurring fines or penalties.
NI businesses urged to audit IT systems
The Business Software Alliance (BSA), a watchdog group representing market-leading software manufacturers, are urging all businesses in Northern Ireland to conduct regular reviews of their software use to ensure that they are fully compliant and not in danger of incurring fines or penalties.
30 January 2020
NI Talent Attracts Silicon Valley Start-Up
Northern Ireland's skilled high-tech and IT professionals have drawn a Silicon Valley start-up to bring its innovating business to the region. Cloud-defined storage company Nebulon is leading the way on premises, server-based enterprise solutions and has chosen Belfast as the location for its new software engineering centre.
NI Talent Attracts Silicon Valley Start-Up
Northern Ireland's skilled high-tech and IT professionals have drawn a Silicon Valley start-up to bring its innovating business to the region. Cloud-defined storage company Nebulon is leading the way on premises, server-based enterprise solutions and has chosen Belfast as the location for its new software engineering centre.
15 May 2018
L'Derry-Based Software Firm To Create 20 New Jobs
Up to 20 new jobs are to be created by L'Derry-based software firm, Foods Connected. The company is investing £1.7 million to generate the new positions, which will help increase its export sales and keep up with the growing demand for its services.
L'Derry-Based Software Firm To Create 20 New Jobs
Up to 20 new jobs are to be created by L'Derry-based software firm, Foods Connected. The company is investing £1.7 million to generate the new positions, which will help increase its export sales and keep up with the growing demand for its services.
12 March 2003
Sx3's Relatively new software package
Northern Ireland's most creative employees could be set to challenge history's best known thinker - Albert Einstein - thanks to a new software package developed by local IT systems and services provider, Sx3.
Sx3's Relatively new software package
Northern Ireland's most creative employees could be set to challenge history's best known thinker - Albert Einstein - thanks to a new software package developed by local IT systems and services provider, Sx3.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.