Leader: Corporate software pirates: Guilty as charged?

"But I didn't read the small print on my licence..."

"But the licences are so complicated..."

"I bought it off this website, and it said it was genuine..."

"My dog ate my licence..."

The investigators who track down companies in breach of software licences have heard all these excuses and more. Some may even be genuine but patience would appear to be running out for those companies who persist in using software they are not licensed to use.

Companies are being urged to crack down on illegal software use within the organisation and the message would appear to be slowly getting through. Research from the Federation Against Software Theft revealed an increase in board level awareness of the problem - with many directors conscious of the fact that it is their neck on the line if the company is breaking the law.

All they have to do now is turn that awareness into effective action.

While excuses - or valid reasons if you like - are common, there surely comes a point where organisations such as FAST or the Business Software Alliance will be justified in saying 'you can't say you haven't been warned?'

The BSA in a show of compassion earlier this year offered a virtual amnesty to companies who have broken the terms of a licence. 'Fess up and we'll be kind seemed to be the message - whether this equates to 'come out now and give yourself up or we'll come in all guns blazing', only time will tell, but companies are being given plenty of chances to get their houses in order.

George Webster, CEO of FAST, compared the situation to the licensing of vehicles. Directors wouldn't dream of sending staff out in a fleet of unlicensed vehicles - and they should show the same responsibility with software.

Eventually when the trust capital has been used up companies will be made to pay and heads will roll. It's time to start auditing your software and finding out exactly what is on your employees' computers.

Like it or not, you have been warned.