... probably we need to help both Microsoft to get tighter, and those wanting to make the shift away... FN

Microsoft on the prowl for unlicensed users in Kerala

By Sanu George, Indo-Asian News Service

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 30 (IANS) In its drive against copyright infringement, Microsoft has sent undercover legal officials to catch computer resellers in Kerala using unlicensed versions of the software giant's programs.

According to industry sources, four computer resellers have already been fined Rs.30,000 each for selling Microsoft products without licences and given a stern warning.

"Two people posing as architects arrived at the office of a leading computer reseller and asked for the latest personal computer. After the machine was supplied with unlicensed software, the two architects revealed they were Microsoft officials and took action against the reseller," a reseller here told IANS, requesting anonymity.

Sources said four resellers were sent notices and asked to meet the Microsoft attorney at a resort in suburban Thiruvananthapuram.

"What we have been told is that they were all fined Rs.30,000 and let off with a warning," said a computer reseller.

The Microsoft officials also visited a few computer institutes here and gathered information about the sellers who had supplied machines to them.

All Kerala Computer Products and Dealers Association president John Kottara said while Microsoft was within its rights to act against unlicensed users, the industry was not sure how to respond to these undercover checks.

"We have not yet decided how to handle this situation," Kottara said.

J. Salim, who runs an IT institute here, told IANS: "In the long run, such raids might hamper the prospects of Microsoft."

He added, "One way is to go in for Linux. This free operating system is becoming very popular."

--Indo-Asian News Service