Business
FAST puts on velvet glove
The Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) and the Software Publishers' Association are making a fresh push against piracy, offering an audit scheme for companies uncertain to the legality of their software.
Dubbed the UK Cooperative Audit scheme, it allows for organisations under investigation to undergo an audit rather than prosecution. A similar programme has been in place in the US since 1990.
"We felt there was a big gap between the 'cease and desist' letters we send out to hundreds of companies, and going all out for prosecution," said Geoff Webster, FAST chief executive. "One is low-key and the other is coming in with a cleaver, with all the pain and expense a prosecution will incur. But if companies aren't prepared to change we'll still take the next step."
FAST can be contacted on 01753-527999