Adobe foresees higher IT investment with the drop in software piracy in Middle East

Adobe, which has recently announced a User Partnership Initiative (UPI) that allows users in Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt, to considerably reduce the cost of possessing licensed versions of Adobe software, is targeting the Middle East as a high-growth area, and has stepped up its activities in recent times, especially through special seminars for IT professionals.

"The region's impressive achievements in reducing software piracy are motivating international software developers to enhance their commitment by introducing more advanced products in the market," said Ibrahim Lahoud, Middle East Regional Manager, Adobe Systems Europe Ltd. "This implies that they will invest more in developing Arabic versions of their programmes, once they are convinced that piracy is on the decline. Additionally, this spells a better environment for local software developers who will be encouraged to hike their investments in customized solutions for the regional market."

Lahoud complimented Business Software Alliance for playing a pivotal role in protecting the rights of software vendors through result-oriented strategies that have substantially reduced the incidence of piracy in most markets.

"BSA has led the anti-piracy front by bringing into focus the ill-effects of piracy, including the financial loss it causes to the vendors, the risk it poses to the users' systems and the setback it causes for the economies of the region and to the IT industry as a whole," added Lahoud. "The visible drop in the rate of software piracy in the Middle East has boosted the confidence of global software players, including Adobe, who feel more comfortable in introducing their products to the Middle East market."

"The fight against piracy calls for continuous vigilance and a strong conviction that software manufacturers need to be provided a healthy environment to operate, in the interest of a healthy and socially beneficial industry," said Jawad Al Redha, Co-Chairman of BSA Middle East. "Business Software Alliance has been at the forefront on this bold campaign against software piracy. It is a matter of great pride that industry leaders like Adobe are recognizing our efforts in this regard."

"Our strategy was to convince the local governments about the importance of combating piracy and this was achieved by getting copyright laws passed in most states," added Al Redha. "The interests of all international and regional software players are now well protected in the region, and we believe that Adobe's initiative for providing licensed software at affordable prices will highlight the benefits of acquiring licensed software as opposed to the pirated versions."

Adobe is a major player in the region's PC software market, offering Arabic-enabled or fully localized products. It offers an extensive range of desktop publishing software portfolio that includes Adobe Photo Shop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Indesign, Adobe GoLive, Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe Premiere and Adobe AfterEffects.