The
Federation Against Software Theft and
Investors in Software have
joined forces to
improve their advice to users about
software asset management and compliance.
They said the partnership will help users
reduce their licensing costs and
mitigate compliance risks.
The Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) brand will continue
to focus in its role as a lobbying and software IP protection body,
whilst Investors in Software (IiS) will continue to promote best
practice and consistent standards in software asset management
(SAM).
John Lovelock, chief executive of FAST, said: "This is the
culmination of the work we have been doing in recent months to
position ourselves not only as a lobbyist and protector of software
IP rights, but as an organisation determined to help end-users
through education and best practice."
John Lovelock said: "Organisations increasingly have to
demonstrate good corporate governance through compliance audits,
but equally they wish to reduce software procurement and support
costs and ensure all licenses are fit for purpose."
Michala Wardell, head of anti-piracy at Microsoft, said: "The
consolidation of two authoritative bodies in this space is great
news for the industry.
"The intrinsic link between software asset management, software
licence management, compliancy, and the protection of software IP
can often be unclear. The coming together of FAST and IiS creates
an entity covering all of the above that can offer clear and
considered guidance and assistance to the end user in a practical
manner."