Al Shanfari Group of companies, Oman’s leading business conglomerate, has taken a major step towards using original software across the enterprise by signing the Code of Ethics drafted by Business Software Alliance (BSA), the organisation that represents the interests of global software developers. The Code of Ethics lays down that the signatory would ‘neither commit nor tolerate the manufacturing, use or distribution of unlicensed software’ and ‘would only supply licensed software to internal and external customers.’
Al Shanfari Group of companies is one of Oman’s biggest business houses, with diversified interests in engineering, transport, logistics, manufacturing, automotives, commercial, tourism and property management.
Mr. Adil Bin Saeed Al Shanfari Vice Chairman, Al Shanfari Group of Companies, said: “The signing of the Code of Ethics allows Al Shanfari to contribute to the sustained campaign by BSA and the Omani authorities to curb the threat of piracy level in the country. The decision reflects our commitment to follow ethical business practices, and we will ensure that strict anti-piracy measures are implemented across our enterprise."
Over the past three decades, The Shanfari Group of Companies has emerged as one of the most prominent and dynamic business enterprises in the Sultanate, with interests in almost every aspect of modern Oman. The Group has played a major role in establishing and developing Oman’s infrastructure – from government construction projects to retail, manufacturing, tourism development and transportation.
“The signing of the Code of Ethics by Al Shanfari is a major boost for BSA`s activities in Oman, as it is a company that controls a wide range of activities and employs thousands of people,” said Jawad Al Redha, Co-chairman, BSA Middle East. “The move reflects the growing awareness among top-rung companies of the importance of protecting Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and the larger benefits to be gained by using original software. This positive measure will help the anti-piracy campaign in the Sultanate gather further momentum."
"Businesses have begun to realize that original software guarantees superior performance and protects important data, besides providing technical support and vital security updates. Moreover, there is now a better understanding of the detrimental effects of software piracy, such as reduced IT investments and a consequent decline in employment opportunities, which ultimately impede economic growth," Al Redha said. "We compliment Al Shanfari Group on its exemplary move that will inspire others to follow suit."
Business Software Alliance:
The Business Software Alliance (BSA) is an international organization representing leading software and e-commerce developers in 65 countries around the world. Established in 1988, BSA has offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. As the voice of the software industry, BSA helps governments and consumers understand how software strengthens the economy, worker productivity and global development and how its further expansion hinges on the successful fight against software piracy and Internet theft. BSA’s efforts include educating computer users about software copyrights; advocating public policy that fosters innovation and expands trade opportunities; and fighting software piracy.
BSA Worldwide Members:
Adobe Systems, Apple Computer, Filemaker, Autodesk, Bentley Systems, CNC Software/Mastercam. Macromedia, Microsoft, Symantec, UGS, BSA Policy Council, Compaq, Dell, Entrust, IBM, Intel, Intuit, Network Associates, Novell and Sybase.
