One Twinsburg company found out the hard way it pays to invest in licensed software. Glass Equipment Development Inc. paid the Business Software Alliance, a watchdog group for the software industry, $98,500 after an investigation revealed the company was using unlicensed copies of Microsoft and Symantec software.
BSA is a nonprofit organization that is supported by its membership of software manufacturers. All the money collected in settlements goes back into the group to support anti-piracy training and education, says Bob Kruger, vice president for enforcement.
When a company is caught — usually with the help of a call made to the BSA’s anti-piracy hotline — it can either settle with the group, which has power of attorney from its members, or a suit will be filed against the business under federal copyright law.
In addition to the $98,500 settlement, Glass Equipment Development has agreed to destroy all of its unlicensed software, and strengthen its software management policies.
“Since the audit, we have implemented a comprehensive software management program to ensure all employees follow this policy to the letter,” stated Ron Auletta, general manager of Glass Equipment Development, in a press release.
ARDB realigns
The Akron Regional Development Board has restructured its management staff, creating three distinct areas in which the chamber will focus its services. Barbara Evans has been promoted to vice president, Center for Small Business; Sandy Auburn to vice president, Workforce Development; and Bob Bowman will continue to oversee business development as vice president, Economic Development.
The ARDB is also now offering training and education courses to local businesses through its Business Training Institute, part of the Center for Small Business. All changes and improvements are part of the ARDB’s 1999-2002 business plan.