Microsoft tightens security as it introduces suits of products
by Sunday Standard Reporter
29.11.2009 10:25 P

Software giants Microsoft said this week that it is working on a raft of measures that also include helping victims of piracy as it launched its new range of products, including Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2 and Exchange Server 2010.

The new products come at a time when many companies are facing a tough economic climate and the belief is that with these products, firms will save money on IT.

Andrew Waititu, Microsoft License Compliance Manager for East and Southern Africa, said at a press conference that Windows 7 is both suited for the consumer and businesses.

“We encourage people to use it at home,” he said, referring to new Windows desktop operating system.

The new operating system, Microsoft says, is a result of 7 years of listening to its customers and partners around the globe.

Microsoft said to counter piracy and attacks by viruses, they have put measures in place to prepare for such events.

Some of the measures that the company, founded by Bill Gates, wants to include are public awareness on piracy and media campaigns.

Waititu said this is already taking place in other countries, like Kenya , where there was a pilot anti piracy war.

He added that there will also be making enforcements against resellers.

There are about 240 resellers in Botswana .

“We will also talk to people who might have pirated software and who might be using the non genuine software,” he said.

According to Microsoft, there were 8 million people involved in the testing phase of Windows 7, which has an improved speed and efficiency compared to Vista.

The cost for Windows 7 ranges from a Starter, US $40 to Windows Ultimate at a price of US $240. There are other editions in between.

Waititu said the advantage with Windows 7 is that it is much easier to manage to companies.

On the other hand, the Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 offers medium to large businesses set of tools that allow their IT departments to easily manage and secure all their internal and external communications.

These include the use of e-mail, voice mail and instant messaging.

“The biggest challenge that many businesses in Botswana have is the ability to get the most out of their new and existing technology investments – getting as much performance as possible without having to spend huge amounts of money to do so,” said Waititu.