ASIRT highlights Software Piracy at Techday September 2013

As per a recent announcement, ASIRT Techday September 2013 was held to highlight the issue of software piracy and the promise of higher revenues through software and services. And, it emerged as a game changer for Mumbai’s IT channel community.
 
Microsoft Legal head Satish Pokhriyal addressed the members along with OEM & Retail Sales head Manish Lahoti. They outlined the fact that they are here to help members through their education and engagement initiatives to combat piracy. Satish outlined his key strategies for helping members scale their business of genuine software sales and also answered a wide range of questions from members.
 

While Microsoft focussed on the need for change in attitudes by the Software sellers, they also candidly accepted the changes desired by channels being fair and promised to bring the change that makes software sales a friendly affair. The other participants were forthcoming about how they have built software and services as their key revenue earner along with the challenges along the way. Jiten Mehta pointed out how Software and services now contribute over 50% to his revenues. While Tally Distributor, Vikram Seth pointed how genuine software comes with training and support which could be crucial to a customer, whereas pirated software users get no help from any quarters.

Before this, Nilesh Zaveri of APEX Enterprises, as an ASIRT member, showcased storage products NAS, external disk cases and guided members on how they can build a profitable addendum to their solution and services business.