SOFTWARE PIRACY & WORKPLACE ETHICS
What Is Software Piracy? Unauthorized copying/installation/use Unauthorized distribution or sale
Impact of Global Software Piracy 36% piracy rate $29 billion in lost revenue Hundreds of thousands of job losses Billions in lost tax revenues “2004 Global Software Piracy Study,” conducted by International Data Corporation, July 2004
Types of Software Piracy End-user copying Electronic distribution Physical distribution
Technical, Legal and Ethical Consequences of Pirated Software Use No upgrades No assurance of quality or reliability No technical support, manuals or documentation Exposure of your network to security breaches Consumption of bandwidth Sends message: It’s okay to steal Serious legal exposure -- $150,000 per program copied
Avoiding the Risk: Proactive Software Asset Management Policy Education Purchasing Control Budget Self-audits
Our Office Policy States our company’s intolerance of software piracy Identifies individuals in charge of software installations Identifies procedures for acquiring needed software Specifies rules on Internet usage and prohibits software downloading/uploading Makes consequences for violations clear
Employee Education We provide information on software piracy and the problems associated with it We ensure regular distribution of office management policy We provide an opportunity for questions
Software Purchasing Controls We centralize purchases in one department We require purchase requests to be in writing, with appropriate approval We confirm requested software is on approved list We specify reputable dealers We ensure complete documentation We prohibit purchases on individual expense accounts
Budget Anticipate software needs in coming year Budget appropriately for needed growth
Self Audit Process Start with assessment of needs Audit software installed on computers Collect licensing and purchase documents Delete unneeded software Purchase licenses for needed but unlicensed software REPEAT REGULARLY
Business Software Alliance (BSA) Educates computer users on respect for intellectual property and copyright compliance Advocates strong intellectual property protection, cyber security, e-commerce and trade opportunities Enforces the rights of copyright holders
BSA Information and Tools BSA “Guide to Software Management” Free software audit tools Fact sheets Asset management resources Free, toll-free hotline, NO PIRACY