Microsoft Sri Lanka has launched the Genuine Software Initiative (GSI) to combat software counterfeiting and other forms of software piracy into a single coordinated effort, the company said last week.
“This initiative protects the decision of genuine resellers and users of Microsoft, many of whom would like to see a validation of their decision through enhanced anti-piracy action. Education, in the form of regular trainings conducted for the Resellers, is a key channel through which Microsoft Sri Lanka is raising awareness among customers and resellers about the risks of counterfeit software,” it said in a statement.
Poojitha Rajapakse, OEM Director, Microsoft Sri Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, said that many consumers still think of software counterfeiting as a victimless crime. “The sheer increase in counterfeit software reports and queries from our customers and partners is remarkable. In fact, at least one of the cases announced in the press earlier were the direct result of a consumer report. I think the biggest thing is that Government is giving consumers the opportunity to report it – and when consumers do this, proper investigation and action will be taken.”
He said they have implemented a number of marketing programs during the past few years in the OEM channel such as an OEM Incentive Program, OEM Training Zone and the OEM Sales Academy, supporting resellers and customers.
The OEM Incentive Program for System Builders is a cash rebate and co-marketing reimbursement program designed to help Microsoft’s OEM partners generate demand for Microsoft products.
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