Microsoft Ireland launches compliance campaign
Microsoft has launched a new information tool to help consumers and businesses determine the legitimacy of software claiming to be genuine Microsoft software.
Microsoft is highlighting www.howtotell.com in Ireland - a website which allows users to check, sometimes in minutes, if software and certain hardware is authentic or not.
This website, which already receives some two million visitors each month from around the world, is part of Microsoft's ongoing commitment to helping customers be compliant and drive down piracy within Ireland.
Recent research by the BSA (Business Software Alliance) has shown that some 42% of software used in Ireland is pirated.
Paul Mason, group manager, small medium business, Microsoft Ireland, said: "Education and awareness are the best defences against piracy.
"The How to Tell Web site is a tool that allows Irish consumers and businesses to check that they are compliant, and if in doubt, remedy the situation. Microsoft hopes this will help users invest wisely in software and not be fooled by poor quality, counterfeit versions."
