Big response to software crackdown

More than 7000 small- and medium-sized businesses have responded to Crackdown ’97, the Business Software Alliance’s campaign to prevent use of unlicensed computer software, according to figures published last week.

The companies contacted the BSA, after a high-profile direct mail campaign, to ensure they complied with the law. More than 3500 groups then completed software declaration forms, showing 54 per cent of them to be operating legally. The BSA is in discussions with further groups to help them comply with the law.

Crackdown ’97 has led to a 160 per cent increase in calls to the BSA reporting specific cases of illegal software use, and a 997 per cent increase in calls overall.

The BSA represents software manufacturers.