IT companies were the greatest offenders in the illegal
use of software last year, according to the Business Software
Alliance anti-piracy group. The organisation conducted over 450
investigations in 2005, an increase of 25% over 2004.
Firms in the IT sector accounted for 15% of the companies that
offered financial settlements for software licensing breaches
during 2005. One firm agreed to pay £31,000, and eight gave
settlements in excess of £20,000.
Siobhan Carroll, BSAregional manager for Northern Europe, said
staff in the IT services sector were more likely to be aware of the
rewards offered by the BSA for reporting illegal use.
