Microsoft offers free software carrot in piracy battle
Microsoft offers free software carrot in piracy battle
In order to encourage customers to verify that they possess a genuine copy of Windows, Microsoft is offering a free copy of the latest version of its software that allows users to create photo slideshows set to music or narration.
The Windows Genuine Advantage pilot program, which was launched last month, is aimed at those who bought a PC bundled with Windows but are not sure if the software is a genuine copy. Those who are found to be in possession of a pirated copy of Windows are still permitted to get downloads from Microsoft, but are advised to go back to the company from who they bought the PC or software to seek recourse.
When the program was launched, it offered no incentive to customers to participate. Despite this, the number of customers who took part dramatically exceeded Microsoft's initial target of 20,000 in the first six weeks to three months, with 800,000 participating in the first month. Microsoft would not disclose how many of those participants were found to have unlicensed software.
Now that it is offering free copies of its Photo Story 3 software, together with other software, software discounts and services, in return for participation in the evaluation program, Microsoft can expect many more customers to take part in the weeks ahead.
Microsoft's operating system is used on around 90 percent of the world's computers, but the growth of Windows is not keeping pace with worldwide PC shipments, as more PCs are going to emerging markets such as China and Russia, where piracy is rife.
While Microsoft is not imposing penalties on those who are found to be in possession of illegal software, it has not ruled out a change in that stance in the future.
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