Source: www.ameinfo.com
Business Software Alliance, the world's foremost organization dedicated to promoting a safe and legal digital world, is currently exhibiting at GITEX Saudi Arabia 2004 to help promote understanding and compliance with Saudi Arabia's recently implemented Intellectual Property Regulations (IPR).
Costing the global IT industry $13 billion last year alone, strong intellectual property protection is crucial for the successful future of technology and as such BSA works alongside governments to issue, amend and regulate IPR laws, and to train enforcement taskforce teams.
Established in 1988 and with programs in more than 65 countries worldwide, BSA is a non-profit organization that educates consumers on software management and copyright protection, cyber security, trade, e-commerce and other Internet-related issues. While IPR is new to the region, the UAE has been very successful in understanding and implementing the law. Saudi Arabia's equivalent regulations are said to be some of the best in the region and BSA hopes that together with the Kingdom's Ministry of Information they can work together to ensure people are using safe and legal software.
BSA's top priorities include enhancing trust and security in cyberspace, reducing software piracy, promoting strong policies for intellectual property protection and free trade, and educating the public about sound software management practices. Indeed its presence at GITEX Saudi Arabia is key. 'Our objective is to create awareness and education amongst exhibitors, retailers, and visitors to promote IPR law, answer any questions, and ensure reinforcement of software law within the GITEX halls' said Jawad Al –Redha Co-Chairman-Middle East.
Within the region BSA is focusing on educating youth and recent graduates with training sessions, roundtables and workshops. 'IPR is fundamental for any country that wants to be advanced in IT future, and as such ensuring understanding and compliance by the next generation is key' added Mr.Al- Redha. Furthermore the implementation of IPR can benefit a country in more ways than one. By helping to encourage Multinationals to enter the country and local software developers to enter the market, local industry accomplishes global credibility and thousands of jobs are created.
Related Information
About BSA:
BSA's acts against unauthorized use and copying of member company software in 65 countries throughout the world. BSA's anti-piracy enforcement program has resulted in substantial reductions in the level of software piracy around the world and in new market growth for legal computer software. This program has also educated users and governments on responsible software management practices and led to the shut down of pirate Internet sites, illegal CD presses and pirated software retail outlets.
As the leading voice for the software industry in capitals around the world and before multilateral organizations, BSA's policy department works closely with BSA members to advocate strong intellectual property protection, increased security measures, reduction of trade barriers, liberal use of encryption technology, and other policies to enhance and facilitate the continued success of the software industry.
BSA is a member-driven organization and asks that representatives of member companies actively serve on regional committees, the policy council, the board of directors, and working groups created to address critical industry issues. BSA actions are taken with the guidance and advice of our member companies. While BSA requires a larger commitment than some trade associations in terms of dues and attention from member companies, it is an organization that moves quickly and effectively to show measurable results on industry priorities.
About Dubai Internet City:
Dubai Internet City (DIC) provides a Knowledge Economy Ecosystem designed to support the business development of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) companies. It is the Middle East's biggest IT infrastructure, built inside a free trade zone and has the largest commercial Internet Protocol Telephony system in the world. DIC is a strategic base for companies targeting emerging markets in a vast region extending from the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent, and Africa to the CIS countries, covering 1.8 billion people with a GDP of $1.5 trillion. In line with Dubai's liberal economic policies and regulations, DIC offers foreign companies 100% tax-free ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, no currency restrictions, easy registration and licensing, stringent cyber regulations and protection of intellectual property.
Within a short span of time, a dynamic international community of ICT companies has established itself in DIC. The global ICT giants are all here: Microsoft, Oracle, HP, IBM, Compaq, Dell, Siemens, Canon, Logica, Sony Ericsson, Schlumberger and Cisco, to name just a few. These companies represent a formidable community of over 14,000 knowledge workers. The cluster of ICT companies in DIC comprise of Software Development, Business Services, Web Based & e-Commerce, Consultancy, Education & Training, Sales & Marketing and Back Office Operations. DIC provides a scalable state-of-the-art technology platform to companies looking to provide cost effective Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Services such as call center operations.
