Microsoft cracks down on counterfeit software

Microsoft has vowed to crack down on software piracy after research showed that one-third of customers still run counterfeit software.

Microsoft’s ‘Keep IT Real’ anti-piracy campaign has helped reduce the Windows XP piracy rate to 12.9 per cent in the campaign’s first year - a drop of 3.8 per cent.

As the campaign moves into its second year Microsoft remains 100 per cent committed to halting the trade in counterfeit software.

With over 8,300 pieces of counterfeit software found on UK business customer premises since July last year the company is even more determined to identify and target sellers of illegal software, which can infect user’s computers with viruses, spyware and worms.

The problem is particularly prevalent among medium-sized businesses with over 100 employees but less than 1,000.

Microsoft has pledged to take firmer enforcement action when it finds pirated software, particularly against the channel and the resellers who are distributing the software.

Microsoft also intends to closely monitor the counterfeit market for copies of Windows Vista over the next 12 months.