Counting the cost of counterfeiting

Iria · May 22, 2006, 05:52 PM

Source: News.com
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As the head of Microsoft's antipiracy program, Michala Alexander has one of the more unenviable posts in the software giant's U.K. operations.

Despite successfully shutting down a prolific trader in unlicensed software last week, Alexander admits that the odds are stacked against her. Microsoft estimates it loses around $467 million (250 million pounds) annually due to counterfeit and unlicensed software.

But it's not only the sheer amount of fake and unlicensed products that makes Alexander's job a tough one; Microsoft's antipiracy team and its enforcers at the Business Software Alliance are seen by many as the sharp end of the software giant's draconian--and some say outdated--approach to licensing.

Following the successful settlement with illegal-software trader William Ling, ZDNet UK sat down with Alexander to discuss some of the challenges in a role she has filled for nine months, and to hear what Microsoft's antipiracy team can do to improve relations with customers.

May 22, 2006, 05:52 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 76	Counting the cost of counterfeiting Source: News.com __________ As the head of Microsoft's antipiracy program, Michala Alexander has one of the more unenviable posts in the software giant's U.K. operations. Despite successfully shutting down a prolific trader in unlicensed software last week, Alexander admits that the odds are stacked against her. Microsoft estimates it loses around $467 million (250 million pounds) annually due to counterfeit and unlicensed software. But it's not only the sheer amount of fake and unlicensed products that makes Alexander's job a tough one; Microsoft's antipiracy team and its enforcers at the Business Software Alliance are seen by many as the sharp end of the software giant's draconian--and some say outdated--approach to licensing. Following the successful settlement with illegal-software trader William Ling, ZDNet UK sat down with Alexander to discuss some of the challenges in a role she has filled for nine months, and to hear what Microsoft's antipiracy team can do to improve relations with customers.