News
Software piracy puts SMEs at risk
26 September 2005
Research by PC World has revealed that nearly half of small firms lack any form of software licensing policy.
The research shows that 44% of businesses are failing to introduce guidelines for their software licensing, risking both legal and security problems.
A majority of firms taking part admitted that they were not aware of the benefits of having such policies.
"A software license policy is essential to all businesses," says Richard Harrison of PC World Business.
"Not only does it eliminate the legal risks, it also creates numerous efficiencies, such as cutting down the risks of viruses and allows businesses to receive regular upgrades and technical support."
Although 87% of firms believe they are compliant with all licences and legal requirements for their computers, 58% admit that they do not keep records of their purchased software.
If software publishers were to actually request their licence certificates, many businesses confess that they would not be able to provide them, thus exposing themselves to a myriad of penalties, unlimited fines and even possible imprisonment.
"Most businesses would never think of themselves as software pirates, but software mismanagement amounts to the same thing in the eyes of the [Business Software Alliance]," said Struan Robertson, IT lawyer with international law firm Pinsent Masons.
"The BSA expects 100% compliance and incentivises staff to blow the whistle on employers who fall short."
The survey also revealed statistically that in spite of their expectations, only 59% of businesses are in awareness of the BSA, the global organisation responsible for policing software licensing and its policies.
© Knowledge Dock 2005
The research shows that 44% of businesses are failing to introduce guidelines for their software licensing, risking both legal and security problems.
A majority of firms taking part admitted that they were not aware of the benefits of having such policies.
"A software license policy is essential to all businesses," says Richard Harrison of PC World Business.
"Not only does it eliminate the legal risks, it also creates numerous efficiencies, such as cutting down the risks of viruses and allows businesses to receive regular upgrades and technical support."
Although 87% of firms believe they are compliant with all licences and legal requirements for their computers, 58% admit that they do not keep records of their purchased software.
If software publishers were to actually request their licence certificates, many businesses confess that they would not be able to provide them, thus exposing themselves to a myriad of penalties, unlimited fines and even possible imprisonment.
"Most businesses would never think of themselves as software pirates, but software mismanagement amounts to the same thing in the eyes of the [Business Software Alliance]," said Struan Robertson, IT lawyer with international law firm Pinsent Masons.
"The BSA expects 100% compliance and incentivises staff to blow the whistle on employers who fall short."
The survey also revealed statistically that in spite of their expectations, only 59% of businesses are in awareness of the BSA, the global organisation responsible for policing software licensing and its policies.
© Knowledge Dock 2005
