An increasing number of people in Ethiopia purchase counterfeit software unintentionally according to the Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft loses an approximate 240 million birr to software piracy annually in Ethiopia.
Accidental Piracy exposes users to a range of risks which can end up being very expensive or disastrous said the Microsoft press statement.Piracy adversely affects economic growth in Ethiopia as illegal software cannot create jobs for students, IT professionals or developers according to Eric Odipo, Channel Lead, Microsoft East and Southern Africa.
Microsoft takes its responsibility to educate consumers and support local enforcement efforts seriously added Odipo.
It may be difficult to differentiate between genuine Microsoft Software and pirated duplicates unless consumers are educated to discern the differences, explained the press statement.
Software piracy became a global issue with the launch of the first Microsoft ‘Play Fair Day.’ The global event is targeted to increase awareness amongst, businesses, governments and private consumers as to the possible consequences associated with pirated software.
Microsoft released findings from a study investigating the financial impact of pirated software on the competitive business environment in developing countries. It was discovered that businesses employing illegal software have an unfair advantage over those opting for the genuine product.
The money from illegal software is going to criminals, and the crime limits job creation and discourages innovation besides being wrong said Dale Waterman, Microsoft’s Corporate Attorney for Anti-Piracy for the Middle East and Africa region.
Source: New Business Ethiopia
