COMPASS Mailer Archives

Press Release 

Microsoft and channels resolve differences to make a new beginning 

Kolkata , India - 19 December 2009 :  Microsoft and other nodal bodies for IT Channel partners of Eastern India led by COMPASS have deliberated and agreed on new engagement practices between Microsoft and the Channel to improve business relationships and to combat piracy jointly. Earlier the channel and Microsoft had developed some differences in this area.

Mr. Alok Garodia, President - COMPASS on behalf of all the IT Associations of Eastern India said :

“ We are glad to state that Microsoft and the channel has resolved all our differences and we have agreed to work together to ensure growth of business for the channel and Microsoft.  We are totally against software piracy since it is a huge loss of revenue for the channel. The cost to the channel is significant. In October IDC produced its annual study on the economic impact of IT, software and the Microsoft ecosystem, illustrating why software piracy is a big concern for Microsoft and the channel at large. The study covered the 52 countries that account for 98 percent — $1.414 trillion — of total IT Spending in 2009, and packaged software represents 21 percent of that number. Nearly 700,000 hardware, software, services, and channel firms make up the Microsoft ecosystem in these countries and for every unit of revenue – dollar, euro, peso, etc. – that Microsoft will earn in 2009, other companies will earn 8.70. We are thankful to Microsoft for understanding the pain points of the channel and  agreeing to work together in resolving the issues. We expect to make a new beginning with Microsoft and we are confident that the New Year will usher in a new phase of growth for the channel and Microsoft in India . ”

“We are extremely satisfied that the IT Associations of the East approached Microsoft with their areas of concern in the channel and for giving us an opportunity to address the problems and take pro-active measures. Our recent engagement with the IT Associations has been meaningful and result oriented with a prime focus on working jointly to address the issues of business as well as piracy. The key aspect of this understanding and the joint resolution is its long term vision on relationship and partnership to check piracy in the region and to promote the value of genuine software in the interests of the consumers and the  reseller community. Microsoft is confident that its relationship with the IT Associations of the East will only grow and cemented further, which will enable the channel and Microsoft to mutually collaborate on an on-going basis to contribute towards the overall development of the IT Eco-System of the country.” Said Mr. Vipul Sant, Director - Genuine Software Initiative and Keshav S Dhakad, Director – IPR & License Compliance, from Microsoft.