Microsoft Genuine Software Initiative Enters 2nd Year

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Microsoft continues to press forward with its Genuine Software Initiative, saying it is seeing progress in combating pirate software. However, it also warns that the battle is far from over.

So far, some 600 million plus validations have been processed since Microsoft started Windows Genuine Advantage in July 2005. It says its outreach efforts with law enforcement and government officials are also paying off for the company.

For example, Brazil has created a government entity aimed at bringing together both public and private groups to protect intellectual property. In China, Microsoft was successful in getting companies to urge its businesses to use genuine software.

But it won't stop here, according to Microsoft anti-piracy director Cori Hartje. "This is a long-term project for us," she said. "It's important that customers get what they pay for, are fully licensed, and are experiencing the benefits of genuine software."

Microsoft's anti-piracy efforts are strengthened by its tougher measures in Vista and Longhorn Server, which all require activation within 30-days before the software is placed in "reduced functionality mode."