Its aim is to raise awareness of the issue and educate companies about the risks both to their business and the local economy.
The initiative is being launched by Business Software Alliance (BSA), which represents the major software companies.
The organisation claims Manchester receives more reports of software piracy than any other English city outside London.
The BSA will be directly contacting over 5,000 Manchester companies and engaging with regional business groups, software resellers and local politicians in an attempt to tackle the level of piracy in Manchester.
Organisations are being advised to carefully audit all the software installed on company-owned PCs, devices and networks to check that software is fully licensed.
Eleven companies in the Manchester area are under investigation by the BSA for software licence violations.
However, Manchester companies who take a pro-active approach to software management by signing up to the BSA's software audit program, and ensuring they are fully licensed by June 30, will be able to avoid the risk of legal action by the BSA in respect of anything prior to that date.
At the end of June, investigations may be opened into Manchester companies who have failed to rectify the problem, with the BSA acting on any evidence they may receive when the campaign ends.
Piracy
While I understand the damage that widespread software piracy can do and potential links to organized crime, I am concerned that businesses may be genuinely unaware they are breaking the law. There must be an element of education to show businesses how easy it can be to fall foul of the law.
I would urge the BSA to use common sense when dealing with businesses during its campaign.
If you receive any communication such as a questionnaire from the BSA, we would advise you to complete it and return it as fully and as accurately as possible.
Businesses with any doubts may wish to discuss the matter with their solicitor.
Moreover, Greater Manchester businesses have already been targeted by the Performing Rights Society for playing radios in the workplace without a licence.
Many companies were unaware that this was an offence and I fear the same may be true of copying software in the office.
What do you think? Have your say.
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