A new series of raids has taken place in Oman against companies using illegal software. Three companies from the services, industrial and trading sectors were apprehended and more than 150 Personal Computers (PCs) were found to be loaded with unlicensed copies of software. This raid marks the first time that such a number of unlicensed computers are
found in Oman.
Copyright implementation has been high on the Omani government’s agenda in the past year, reported a BSA press release. The Ministry of National Heritage and Culture has conducted one of the most active campaigns in the region to fight illegal software.
“These three companies now have to live with the consequences of their careless attitude towards copyrights, from the plunge in employee moral, to legal costs and hassle, in addition to the harm done to their reputation in the market. We hope that this serves as an example to other companies: using unlicensed software is against the law, software is a productivity tool, it is a major asset for any company, and it is therefore normal that this company should purchase it properly in the same manner it purchases its other assets.” concluded Jawad Al-Redha, regional director of the Business Software Alliance (BSA).
BSA is an international organization representing leading software and e-commerce developers in 65 countries around the world. Established in 1988, BSA has offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The BSA’s efforts include educating computer users about software copyrights; advocating public policy that fosters innovation and expands trade opportunities; and fighting software piracy. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
