Microsoft Overhauls Its Online Antipiracy Resources

Microsoft has overhauled its online antipiracy resources. On December 9, 2008, the redesigned Genuine Microsoft Software website went online featuring a style intimately connected with the redesign suffered by the official Windows.com earlier this year. The website provides a range of information related to both genuine and pirated software, as well as testimonies from victims of pirated products, and the tools necessary to validate Windows and Office software, namely the Windows Genuine Advantage and the Office Genuine Advantage.

“The new look and feel is now more consistent with other Microsoft sites, such as Windows.com. We've also added site navigation to the top of the page, so people will be able to find the information they're looking for more quickly and easily. Reporting piracy is also easier, including the process of applying for a complimentary replacement kit if you have been sold counterfeit software,” Alex Kochis, director, Windows Genuine, stated.

The new website places a great deal of emphasis on the piracy phenomenon affecting Windows and Office. In this regard, Microsoft is not only providing the necessary information to educate consumers in order to help them steer clear of counterfeit software, but is also making it easy for victims to report potential piracy.

The revamping of the Genuine Microsoft Software websites comes on the heels of the redesign of the How to Tell counterfeit gallery, which has delivered new features, a fresh style, and has now embraced Microsoft Silverlight. Furthermore, there is yet more to come, Microsoft promised.

“Over the next months we have a number of content updates planned, including providing more information about our program and products, additional information about activation and validation technologies, as well as how Microsoft has been fighting piracy and making it easier for customers to avoid buying counterfeit Microsoft products,” Kochis added.