On August 25th, Microsoft will be launching its new initiative called Office Genuine Advantage or OGA for short. Similar to Windows Genuine Advantage, OGA will require people to validate their copy of Microsoft Office software before being allowed to download non-critical updates and other downloads.
Software piracy is illegal and carries heavy penalties - and that includes exceeding your permitted number of installations of the software or sharing it with friends. Globally, the cost of counterfeit software is an estimated $40 billion (US), in 2008 the cost to the UK economy was £1.5 billion.
According to a study from May 2007, reducing the global rate of software piracy by 10% per year could generate 2.4 million new jobs, $400 billion in economic growth and $67 billion in tax revenue for the world economy.
Using pirated software can potentially pose a security threat to your business. Counterfeit software is frequently bundled with malicious and unwanted software; this can lead to a corrupted computer or data loss, even worse it might lead to identity theft.
More often than not, small business owners are too busy to worry about the threat of identity theft. Sadly when you’ve just had thousands of pounds lifted from your bank account or credit card – which we have seen happen – it’s too late, and you have the embarrassment of dealing with the bank.
To compound matters further, it can sometimes be difficult to purchase the right software for your business. The “Home and Student” edition of Microsoft Office as available from most reputable high street stores for example, is not meant to be used for commercial use.
The official licensing partner guide from Microsoft is a staggering 80 pages !
To find out more about Windows Genuine Advantage and Office Genuine Advantage, Microsoft have published an in-depth list of frequently asked questions available here and have a dedicated mini site about genuine Microsoft software.
If you would like advice and assistance with the software licensing in your business starting with a comprehensive audit of what you actually have installed, drop us a line or give us a call on 0845 004 3025.