Microsoft nabs software rogues

MICROSOFT has won a key battle in the war against counterfeit software and illegal trading, underlining the ongoing success of Microsoft’s ‘Keep IT Real’ initiative in protecting the software economy. R J Campbell and his company R J Campbell, which traded collectively as ‘Software Price Beater’ (including on eBay) has admitted selling counterfeit Microsoft goods and illegally importing software into the UK.

Following legal proceedings commenced by Microsoft in the High Court, R J Campbell has been ordered to pay Microsoft damages and costs in the sum of approximately £35,000, with provision for further payments to be ordered by the Court. The trader has also been instructed by the court to place an advert in a trade monthly magazine.

Parallel importation is the term describing instances where goods intended for sale in one market are sold in another market without the permission of the manufacturer. Parallel importation breaches Microsoft’s UK trademarks and harms distributors and resellers that trade legally.

"This is a significant win by Microsoft as we continue in our efforts to reduce the sale of counterfeit software and also look to clamp down on illegal importers who are destabilising the whole reseller ecosystem” said Michala Wardell, head of anti-piracy at Microsoft UK. “Through our anti-piracy campaign, we have noticed that it’s not only counterfeit trading that is a big problem, but parallel importing is also becoming a serious issue which is having a detrimental effect on the channel. It’s great to see justice being brought against rogue traders like R J Campbell as Microsoft continues to protect the software industry and ensure a level playing field for the reseller community.”

Web Solution Specialists

Microsoft today announced a new Small Business Competency; Web Solutions. This competency required three separate assessments to be completed which I’m pleased to announce that Matthew successfully completed this week.

Essential Web Solutions
Embarking on a new business adventure doesn't mean you want to invest a huge chunk of time or financial resources. Microsoft can help make the move into Web solutions simple and easy. Begin by exploring an array of offers, software, tools and resources that can enable you to quickly add new services for existing customers. And prospective ones. more

Development Solutions
You're an innovator. Your custom Web solutions: elegant. Yet you're continually in search of bulletproof platforms. New ways to solve tired business problems. Flexibility. Productivity gains. And compressed cycle times. Take the direct route to software, tools, collaborative resources and offers to help you develop unique solutions that solve customer challenges. more

Design and User Experience Solutions
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This means that not only are we Small Business Specialist but also Web Solution Specialists!