Software dealers in Oman sign BSA Code of Ethics to show commitment to combating software piracy

At a ceremony hosted by BSA in Muscat recently, 16 dealers were presented with certificates by Jawad Al Redha, Co-chairman, BSA Middle East for signing the code. The Code of Ethics lays down that the signatories would 'neither commit or tolerate the manufacture or use of distribution of unlicensed software' and 'would only supply licensed software to customers.'

"The Code of Ethics represents yet another significant step in the fight against software piracy in the Middle East region," said Al Redha. "The enthusiasm shown by the Omani dealers is proof that dealers have realised the benefits of supplying licensed software and are ready to join the battle against piracy. The signing of the Code of Ethics represents an undertaking from the signatory that his company fully understands the manufacture, use or distribution of unlicensed copies of copyrighted software amounts to violation of law. It also enjoins on the company to enforce controls within the organisation to ensure compliance with this code."

"The Code of Ethics developed by Business Software Associates complements other ongoing initiatives that will jointly contribute to reduce software piracy in the region. The Copyright Law passed in many Middle East countries, and backed by government-supported raids against software pirates, has been a milestone achievement for BSA. We feel the Code of Ethics is a powerful manifestation of the dealers' commitment to intellectual property laws, because it is a voluntary step by each signatory. We are positive that many more dealers will sign the Code of Ethics in the near future," Al Redha added.

Over the past few years, software piracy has shown a sizable drop in most countries of the region, according to a recent BSA study. Spurred by the success, BSA has stepped up its anti-piracy activities, of which the Code of Ethics is the newest.

"BSA has accelerated the anti-piracy momentum not only to protect the rights of global and regional software developers but also to create a healthy environment for the growth of the IT industry, that would ultimately boost the national economies," added Al Redha. "Further, it will protect computers from the harm that unlicensed software products cause to systems. Ultimately, the elimination of software piracy is in the interest of all parties concerned, including the end users and dealers."