Curbing piracy to boost competitiveness

ISLAMABAD: To improve the competitiveness in the field of IT, the industry needs to combat with piracy with a firm resolve and commitment, said the speakers at the completion of the first joint training session between the Pakistan Computer Association (PCA) and Microsoft here on Wednesday.

They hoped that the recent steps taken in this regards, would encourage users to opt for genuine software instead of pirated ones.

The speakers also expressed the resolve to make joint efforts to promote Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in the industry to ensure a healthy and steady growth in the sector.

Abdullah Malik, President PCA Islamabad Chapter, said that a comprehensive awareness campaign regarding the IPRs ought to be launched, while a facilitation and incentive for the industry would be instrumental to encourage and promote the usage of genuine software.

Referring to a recently signed MoU between the two organizations, he suggested that practical measures should be taken to involve all the stakeholders, and especially the vendors, to achieve the stated objectives effectively and for the overall well being of the industry.

The participants reached on the agreement that a shared vision would be employed to raise awareness regarding a respect for IPRs and its benefits for the industry as well as the national economy.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 4^th, 2010.