Business Software Alliance Announces Phoenix Telemarketing Company Settles Software Copying Claim; Aftermarket Agrees to Pay $168,000 Settlement.

Business Editors/Hi-Tech Writers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 15, 2000

The Business Software Alliance (BSA) today announced that the Aftermarket Company, a telemarketing organization headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, has agreed to pay $168,000 to settle claims that unlicensed copies of software programs were installed on office computers.

This announcement comes on the heels of BSA's Software Truce campaign, a 30-day opportunity for local Phoenix businesses to review their software programs and acquire needed licenses without facing penalties for past infringement. The campaign, which was launched November 1 and concluded November 30, occurred simultaneously in Phoenix, Austin, Baltimore and Cincinnati.

Area businesses in these cities received information from the BSA about the Truce campaign and how to participate. Companies that took part in the campaign and took the necessary steps to become fully licensed were excused from penalties for software violations occurring prior to November 1, 2000. The campaign generated more than 1,100 calls to the Truce hotline and approximately 18,000 hits on the Truce website.

Most BSA investigations begin with a report to BSA's hotline: 888/NO PIRACY or to its website www.bsa.org. After an initial investigation of the lead, the BSA contacts the company reported, although in some cases it pursues a software raid. In the case of the Aftermarket Company, the company voluntarily conducted a self-audit.

"Even well-managed, reputable companies like Aftermarket need to be fully attentive to software licensing requirements," said Bob Kruger, BSA's vice president of enforcement. "Every company should implement policies and procedures in order to maintain compliance and demonstrate to its employees the importance of using licensed software. The cost of doing otherwise can be very high."

Any organization can request tools and information such as audit software, training videos and a "Guide to Software Management" at no cost to ensure legal use of software. For additional information, visit BSA's website at nopiracy.com.

Since 1988, the Business Software Alliance (BSA) has been the voice of the world's leading software developers before governments and with consumers in the international marketplace. Its members represent the fastest growing industry in the world.

BSA educates computer users on software copyright; advocates public policy that fosters innovation and expands trade opportunities; and fights software piracy. BSA worldwide members include Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Bentley Systems, CNC Software/Mastercam, Corel Corporation, Macromedia, Microsoft, Network Associates and Symantec . BSA website: www.bsa.org.