Press Releases
19th May 2008
The Federation launches the Software Industry Research Board
Software Industry unite behind best practice
The Federation Against Software Theft (The Federation) in collaboration with leading global software vendors has launched an innovative and groundbreaking industry initiative which will bring together some of the largest names in the IT software sector with the primary intent of making it easier for end users to manage their software licensing requirements to contain costs and ensure compliance.
Commenting on the launch, John Lovelock, Chief Executive of The Federation said, "The Software Industry Research Board (SIRB) aims to address and simplify the often diverse and confusing issues in the field of Software Asset Management and Software License Management. A fundamental premise of the SIRB is to ensure that it has a clear understanding of end user perceptions and concerns and to work with its members to both educate and assist in the adoption of best practices in managing software assets."
The SIRB has retained the services of research firm IDC to conduct potentially the largest research project of its kind in the UK. It will target both private and public sector organisations to assess their current understanding of licensing practices, their attitudes towards software acquisition, and to understand where they will make changes to benefit from a more cost effective and risk free environment in the future.
"Software Asset Management (SAM) and IT Governance initiatives are taking more CIO and IT manager time," said Fred Broussard, Research Director, Enterprise System Infrastructure Software, for IDC. "The work of a not-for-profit organization such as The Federation can help narrow the gap between the major vendors and the end user community in the efficient management of software by highlighting how better management enhances end-user and IT productivity."
The Federation recognises that currently mixed messaging around SAM, Software License Management and license compliance exists within the marketplace, which can be confusing for the end user to the extent that it causes potential barriers to business and reinforces a perception that compliance is difficult and expensive to achieve, whereas empirical evidence points to the fact that companies that manage their software actually save more money through adopting the practice. Similarly, technical innovations such as Virtualisation and Software as a Service have an impact on software delivery, management and licensing which end users are keen to understand.
"Microsoft fully supports the work that The Federation is doing to bring clarity on software licensing by encouraging best practice in the end user community. We are pleased to be a part of the SIRB and to work with other major publishers in providing assistance and guidance through this respected independent body to UK organisations in both the public and private sectors," said Amanda Sleight, Head of Licensing, Microsoft Corporation.
"We are really excited about being part of this initiative and look forward to working with the group to help clear up some of the misconceptions that exist today. Helping our customers to keep on top of their software needs through the most efficient licensing models and the adoption of solutions and best practices can ultimately only benefit the industry as a whole," said Michael McCloskey, CEO, FrontRange.
The SIRB's eagerly awaited research project will be concluded in July 08 and the results will be used to underpin the educational programmes that the SIRB are investing in which will benefit end users from late summer this year.
"The SIRB has been extremely well received by major players in the software industry. Microsoft's and FrontRange's early commitment and support of the programme endorses our approach and we look forward to working with them and our other members to drive the agenda for simplifying Software Asset Management for end users," said John Lovelock, Chief Executive of The Federation.
About The Federation
The Federation Against Software Theft was formed in 1984 making it the world's first anti-piracy organisation. It is a not-for-profit organisation that is limited by guarantee and wholly owned by its members, and works on many fronts to promote the legal use of software and defend its members' digital rights through education, enforcement, lobbying and promoting standards and best practice in business.
The Federation's own Legal Advisory Group (FLAG), which consists of 30 law firms engaged in IT/IP and operating in the UK and overseas, reinforces legal expertise.
For more information please contact:
Richard Merrin/Richard Warner
Spreckley Partners Ltd
T: 020 7388 9988
E merrin@spreckley.co.uk
Click here for Archive Press Releases and features about The Federation's activities
About FAST
In September 2008 the Federation Against Software Theft and Investors in Software joined forces to deliver a distilled, simplified and unified view of software asset management (SAM) and software license management (SLM) best practice to the end user community. The strength of the two reputable brands encapsulates a holistic approach to driving the professional use of software across the industry and the globe.
The Federation Against Software Theft was formed in 1984 making it the world's first anti-piracy organisation and continues to be a not-for-profit organisation that is limited by guarantee and wholly owned by its members, working on many fronts to promote the legitimate use of software and protect its members. rights through education, enforcement, lobbying and promoting standards and best practice in business.
For more information please contact:
Jared Foley/Richard Merrin
Spreckley Partners Ltd
T: 020 7388 9988
E: foley@spreckley.co.uk
E: merrin@spreckley.co.uk
W: www.spreckley.co.uk