New Delhi : Microsoft Corporation India announced a series of education and enforcement initiatives under the aegis of 'Global Anti-Piracy Awareness Day'.

This would be a simultaneous launch of local and international programs to combat the trade of pirated and counterfeit software through education initiatives and enforcement actions in 49 countries on six continents.

It has launched a channel education and awareness initiative in collaboration with various the channel associations in India. The objective of the collaboration is to broaden the understanding of the dangers surrounding software piracy to the resellers to protect the interest of the consumers.

The company is already partnering with Computer Association of Eastern India, Kolkata (COMPASS) and North East Computer Traders Association, Guwahati (NECTA) to educate members on the pitfalls and risks of piracy, and spread the value of original software.

Microsoft is also investing significantly to ensure that end customers can easily access original Microsoft software and is working closely with organized retail stores including Croma, Reliance Digital and Vijay Sales.

The company has launched an e-commerce platform, www.buyoriginalms.com, to enable customers across 52 Indian cities and towns to buy Microsoft software including Windows, Office, Xbox, games and gaming accessories as well as server products.

On the enforcement front, Microsoft has taken 15 civil enforcement actions against resellers indulging in hard-disk loading case involving Microsoft products such as Windows and MS Office.

"Software piracy and counterfeiting is a sophisticated, global trade and Microsoft is committed to working with industry partners in India and around the world to stay a step ahead of this criminal industry," said Vipul Sant, Director-Original Software Initiative, Microsoft India.

Pawan Jajodia, President, COMPASS said, "Not only does the end-consumer suffer greatly as a result of software piracy, it also severely impacts the livelihood and credibility of the channel community. It is heartening to see companies such as Microsoft take this issue seriously and with the help of resellers, educate end users on how to minimize this menace."

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