Microsoft officials have raised issues of piracy of software by SMEs, saying it is rampant in the small business sector in Malta and that the company is losing revenue as a result.

The officials, Jacqueline Harvey (Microsoft OEM Manager) and Wayne Hewitt (Systec Business Development Manager) met a GRTU delegation during which they explained that the company is embarking on a campaign to reduce illegal software piracy in the small business sector.

Possible incentives to encourage small businesses to regularise their position were discussed. GRTU Council Members Marcel Mizzi and Patrick Cutajar suggested that incentives should typically include a one time reduction in prices as well as a soft loan system possibly using the Micro Invest Scheme that the government is set to launch shortly.

The GRTU said it was also agreed that a conference or meeting would be organised before the summer. The conference would be aimed at presenting these incentives and explaining legal responsibilities and liabilities to the members. The conference would also discuss issues such as systems security.

The Microsoft representatives stated that they would have to enquire with their management as to whether these incentives were feasible. Another meeting is to be organised once this information is available.