In line with Jordan’s drive to become the information technology hub of the Middle East, the kingdom’s police late last week raided a software reseller in Amman suspected of using and trading in black market software.
The reseller, according to a press release, was suspected of trading in copied software. Counterfeit CDs containing software such as Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Office 2000, and Autodesk AutoCAD 2000 were found in his offices.
“Combating illegal software is critical to the success of Jordan’s new and dynamic agenda to develop the IT sector,” commented Jawad Al Redha, regional director of the BSA (Business Software Alliance). “The kingdom has put in place a nationwide legal system that provides for the growth of a technology-based economy.”
The BSA’s major role is to raise the public’s awareness of the many ways in which the trade in illegally copied software harms the economy.
In addition to denying the software developer from legitimate revenue derived from the sale of their applications, illegal copying also hampers economic development because local and international developers do not invest in markets where they feel that they are not protected.
Al Redha said in an official statement that “we call upon resellers and companies in Jordan to use only legal software, and we are here to address their questions and help them in licensing their software.” – Albawaba.com
