NEWS Microsoft is in discussion with the Indonesian government on how to tackle the rampant use of cracked Windows.
Indonesia, the fifth worst country for software piracy according to the BSA, could be let off lightly. According to a report in the Jakarta Post, Microsoft is offering the government an amnesty of $1 per pirated copy of Windows and a promise from the administration it will buy legally.
Indonesia's information and communication minister Sofyan Djalil reportedly told the paper: "Microsoft will certify the already-installed illegal software but in the future, all government computers must have legal software produced by the company."
Djalil continuted: "Microsoft is being realistic. They can't force developing countries like us to solely use legal software, since we can't afford it. They want us to gradually reduce our use of it."
The government has promised to be completely legal by 2007, the report said.
A spokeswoman for Microsoft UK refused to be drawn on whether the software giant was prepared to 'legalise' the cracked software for $1 each. "We will continue to engage and work with the government of Indonesia," she said.
However, according to a report in the Seattle Times, a US spokeswoman denied that the company had any "amnesty-style government licensing programmes" planned for Indonesia.
Comments
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1. anonymous
Good business move for Microsoft. At least now the Indonesian Government won't be forced to realise how much cheaper Linux, FreeBSD or any of the other alternatives are.
Plus, it's always nice to have governments in your pocket, eh Bill?
2. Derek Cullen
Djalil continuted: "Microsoft is being realistic. They can't force developing countries like us to solely use legal software, since we can't afford it. They want us to gradually reduce our use of it."
Soemthing not write right here - Microsoft want the government to gradually reduce their use of LEGAL software?
3. Jon Baker
Finally, at least Microsoft are charging a fair price for their buggy products.
4. Steve R
I'll put money on Microsoft (and others) putting their money on the Trusted Computing Intiative to provide the strong-arm leverage for markets with high levels of piracy - "go legal with us or we will lock out your systems and or data".
Why should they be worried in the meantime with all the cheap marketing they get?
5. Drew Edgar
So the "government" (read cowboys) is criminally liable for installing stolen copies of Microsoft’s intellectual property.
The cost of this is being borne by the honest English joe public & others.
Solution a trade & investment embargo against crooked administrations!!!
The same goes for non-repayment of foreign aid to dubious regimes which is provided by charitable Governments borrowing money on the open market, the interest on which the decent taxpayer has to meet!