The Business Software Alliance's (BSA) first ever truce on software piracy drew to a close at the end of March with an impressive 608 registrations to legalise pirated or illegally installed software. The BSA's 'Truth or Dare' truce campaign was a one-off opportunity for organisations to 'come clean' and legalise their software use without fear of BSA litigation.

Organisations that registered for the truce, which took place between 1 February and 31 March this year, came from a diverse range of industries and included municipalities, IT companies, primary and high schools, district councils, universities, technikons, engineering firms and even some churches. Together the registered companies represent over 60 000 desktop PCs that have been running unlicensed software. The campaign has now moved into the legalisation phase during which companies have a grace period to ensure that all software is legitimate.

Meanwhile the BSA will now be moving into a rigid anti-piracy enforcement campaign again. "Piracy in South Africa is very real," states BSA Chairman Mark Reynolds. "The BSA 'Truth or Dare' statistics over the last few months prove this: 87 000 hits on the BSA website, www.bsa.co.za have been recorded and over 2600 hits on the registration site."

In South Africa, the pirated software level currently stands at 47% of all software used. Software piracy includes counterfeiting/CD copying, hard disk loading, internal copying by business and Internet piracy. "Most of the BSA's settlements are with good, reputable, well managed companies that simply have a blind spot when it comes to software asset management," says Robert Kruger, Vice President of Enforcement, BSA. As a result the BSA encourages companies to make use of its top 10 tips to ensure their software is legal and that they avoid the risks associated with illegal software:

1. Ensure senior management awareness and commitment.

2. Understand licence agreements.

3. Have a Software Code of Ethics.

4. Have signed employee compliance statements.

5. Establish a software register.

6. Keep original disks locked away.

7. Educate users (eg staff guidelines, notices, etc).

8. Appoint a software auditor.

9. Conduct unannounced spot checks.

10. Conduct occasional software audits.

Mark Reynolds believes that the effect of piracy is often underestimated: "Piracy reduces revenues for everyone in the supply chain, and eliminates employment gains and government tax revenues. It stunts the growth of the IT sector, and software's contribution to overall competitiveness is reduced. The BSA outlines the following, as 10 reasons not to pirate software:

1. Infringing copyright law.

2. Civil or criminal prosecution.

3. Negative media exposure.

4. No assurance of quality or reliability.

5. No technical support.

6. Exposure to threat of viruses.

7. No warranty on products.

8. You pay more for upgrades.

9. Government revenue is lost.

10. One job less is created for South Africa.

For more information on the BSA call the hotline: 0800 110 447, e-mail: info@bsa.co.za or visit www.bsa.co.za

About BSA

The Business Software Alliance (BSA) is the voice of the world's leading software developers. BSA educates computer users on software copyrights; advocates public policy that fosters innovation and expands trade opportunity; and fights software piracy. Local members include: Adobe, Autodesk, Corel Corporation, Lotus, Microsoft and Symantec.