The Truth About Software Piracy

The Business Software Alliance (BSA) estimates that software publishers lose approximately $13 billion dollars each year due to software piracy. Many consumers do not realize how many different types of software piracy exist and do not always realize when they are using pirated software.

Some of the most common types of software piracy are described by the BSA are:

• End-User Piracy : This would include installing software on more computers than allowed by the license agreement. Also included in this category would be individuals who copy software and distribute it, including distribution to family, friends or colleagues.
• Internet Piracy : When copies of software are distributed, downloaded or sold over the Internet along with serial numbers/ registration information associated with other users. Online auction websites that provide software recommending that you do not register it or contact the manufacturer is most likely selling pirating websites.
• Hard Disk Loading : This occurs when illegal software is installed on a computer prior to its sale. Often times users receiving software in this manner will not receive serial numbers/ registration information for the software nor will they receive any documentation for the product.
• Counterfeiting : Illegal duplication of software and product materials which are sold or distributed by unauthorized individuals would fit into this category.
• Client-Server Overuse : This occurs when more employees than are license accessed the same copy of a program over a network at the same time. If companies install software to a network, it is important to confirm that they own enough licenses to cover all of the users.

Due to the popularity of auction websites, the BSA provides the following tips to individuals and businesses that plan on purchasing software this way:

• If a price for a software product seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Be wary of software products that come without any documentation or manuals.
• Beware of products that do not look genuine, such as those with hand-written labels.
• Beware of sellers offering to make "back-up "copies.
• Watch out for products labeled as academic, OEM, NFR or CDR.
• Be wary of compilations of software titles from different publishers on a single disk.
• Do not give out your credit card details unless you know it 's a secure transaction.
• Check with organizations such as the BSA should you become a victim of software fraud.

Using pirated software can have many consequences. Some of the consequences are:

• Legal prosecution which could lead to monetary damages being awarded and/ or jail.
• No upgrade pricing or technical support available.
• Purchase of old or out of date product materials.

If you believe that someone you know is pirating DataViz software, please let us know by filling out our Piracy Report Form. All information submitted through this form will be kept confidential. If you are aware of anyone pirating software manufactured by a company other than DataViz, please report this piracy directly to the BSA. You can do this by filling our their online form or by contacting them at 1-888-NOPIRACY.

Please Note: The above information is taken from Business Software Alliance.