14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will continue to be on the anti-piracy barricades in the future, is the promise made by Joe Williams, general manager, Genuine Windows. “We’re certainly not slowing down in our efforts to combat piracy, and I’m sure that is the same with you,” he stated, commenting on the departure of one of the most prominent members of the Windows Genuine team at Microsoft, Alex Kochis, the former Director of Windows Genuine, who left the company at the end of 2009 to set up his own shop.
Williams noted that the start of 2010 was synonymous for Microsoft with a renewed commitment to press on with its efforts to curb the piracy phenomenon. According to the GM of Windows Genuine, the company will step up investment in its Genuine Software Initiative, focused on three strategic areas: Education, Engineering and Enforcement.
“Microsoft continues to invest in anti-counterfeiting technologies and product features that protect its intellectual property and alert consumers to the presence of counterfeit software. This includes improvements in our technologies and programs such as Windows Activation Technologies for Windows 7 and Windows Vista, and Windows Genuine Advantage for Windows XP,” Williams stated.
As far as education is concerned Microsoft will continue to reach out to consumers with the necessary information designed to help them protect themselves from the dangers of counterfeit software. Raising awareness efforts will be addressed not just at customers but also at software resellers, Williams promised.
“Microsoft actively supports government officials and law enforcement agencies in taking action against software piracy. Over the past two years alone, Microsoft has received over 150,000 customer reports of counterfeit software. These reports have contributed directly to numerous civil actions that have been filed against software pirates around the globe,” he explained.