If they steal, let them steal from us - the official position of MS

At the Morgan Stanley Technology Conference, Microsoft Business Group President Jeff Raikes spoke about the benefits that Microsoft provides counterfeit software: another. We understand how important the database of customers using our software is. And with the passage of time, many of them will decide to switch to licensed software. ”


Raix’s words are well-suited to Microsoft’s plans: for the past two years, the company has focused its efforts on reducing the level of piracy, in particular piracy on its own products. In a memo to activate their products, the company mentions that “according to the BSA Software Piracy Report, software piracy has a negative impact on the global economy.” And while many say that the BSA report is largely erroneous, Microsoft continues to use all sorts of means to turn pirates into its customers. As in the case of the Get the Facts campaign designed to attract Linux users, Microsoft’s sole purpose was to attract users of pirated versions of Windows.

According to the figures given at the conference, from 20 to 25% of all software used in the United States is pirated. For Microsoft, these people are potential customers and by and large the entire anti-piracy campaign of Microsoft is equivalent to marketing pressure. Warnings, enticing pictures and attractive slogans (like “Get Genuine”) are perfect for this concept. Once a user switches to licensed software from Microsoft, he is unlikely to ever return to pirated software.
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Some sources associate these speeches with a well-known situation with Russian schools and their possible transition to linux, although these are mere speculations and rumors.

Sources (in English):
origin.arstechnica.com/journals/microsoft.ars/2007/03/12/microsoft-executive-pirating-software-choose-microsoft
software.seekingalpha.com/article/29489