Johannesburg, 21 Feb 2007
Historically, genuine and counterfeit versions of Microsoft's Windows operating systems have looked and functioned alike, but that changed with Windows Vista.
"We realised we needed to give end-users, buying genuine products, a different and better experience," Joe Williams, Microsoft's regional OEM manager, told key partners and customers in Sandton last night.
Williams, based in Germany, is in SA to oversee the start of a programme aimed at raising awareness about the advantages of buying and selling genuine copies of Vista and other Microsoft software.
In a step up in Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage anti-piracy programme, Williams said there would be various key features of Vista that will be available only to users of the genuine product.
"We've put a lot of effort into making the genuine product look different from counterfeits, both in terms of packaging, certificates, and the way it looks and works," he said.
Out of the box, only Vista copies that are validated online by Microsoft will be able to run selected features like the Windows Aero 3D interface and the ReadyBoost feature that enables users to plug in USB memory sticks to boost memory for use by Windows.
Williams explained that after purchase, various downloads such as the Windows anti-spyware tool, non-critical security updates, extras for various editions and local promotions will be available only to users with validated copies of Vista.
"Users who don't have genuine software won't get the good stuff," he said.
Williams said Microsoft would work with the Business Software Alliance and local authorities around the world to help enforce intellectual property rights. He encouraged partners to support the initiative to reduce competition from system builders using counterfeit software.
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