Software vendors unite in region-wide licensing program

This first ever comprehensive reference guide provides the vital information on software vendors' licensing programs in the region for technology resellers and businesses. Together with Tech Data, Microsoft, Oracle, Computer Associates, Caldera, Symantec, Veritas and Novell took part in the preparation and printing of the guide, which will also be distributed through their own channels to the reseller channel and the end-user market.

The first Middle East "Software Licensing Guide" was highly praised by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), which regards it as an important step towards promoting a flourishing software industry, a profitable reseller community and a satisfactory end user experience. "This is the first time that we see this kind of action in the region, and we congratulate Tech Data and the participating vendors for their initiative. We believe that this will assist us tremendously in promoting licensing awareness and creating a call to action for all small to medium businesses throughout the region," said Jawad Al Redha, regional director of the BSA.

Steve Lockie, managing director of Tech Data commented: "Many organizations are looking for ways to reduce risks associated with unlicensed software and this guide is a valuable reference for them. It also maps the shortest and most efficient path to software licensing plans of contributing vendors and therefore help the regional channel build long term and viable relationships with the market."

According to Tech Data's latest market research, resellers that focus on providing software solutions are increasingly steadily across the region. The research, conducted by Paradigm Research, a Dubai-based research company, found that the proportion of resellers in the GCC dealing software has increased by 15% from 2000 to 2001. Frances Furtado, Software Business Unit Manager at Tech Data explains: "There are excellent revenue opportunities associated with the sale and support of software solutions. These mainly are derived from the value-added services that resellers can provide to businesses and end-users, which depends on them being able to invest in developing the skills and services that they can provide." She continues: "Resellers realize the extent of revenue opportunities, but are often confused by the variances and complexities in software vendors' licensing programs. The Middle East's first "Software Licensing Guide" that we have created with our vendor partners provides the channel, as well as businesses, with an easy to use, yet comprehensive, reference guide.

The Middle East's first Software Licensing Guide is to be freely distributed to businesses across the region, and to the reseller channel through Tech Data and the participating software vendors. The handbook provides a reference of the various licensing modules and agreements that global software provider's offer in this region. Tech Data championed the software licensing guide program as part of the company's year long "Build VAR business with Tech Data" program. This program, announced earlier this year, aims to expanding the revenue opportunities of the reseller market, and build skill-sets in the channel.

Lockie ended:" The guide is a truly region-wide licensing program and we proud to champion a first time initiative on this large scale."

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