Estimating software mis-licensing is hard
Editor, Communications of the ACM
Dear Editor,
Re: Bagchi et al. "Global software piracy ...", June 2006, pp. 70-75.
We are extremely concerned that a peer-reviewed magazine from an
apparently serious professional organization would permit the
publication of a report that predicated its research on data from a
single source that has a vested interest in magnifying apparent losses
due to activities they characterize as "piracy". For one critique, see
Business: BSA or just BS?; Software piracy, The Economist. London: May 21,
2005. Vol.375, Iss. 8427; pg. 78. We do not doubt that
there is unauthorized copying of copyrighted materials. However,
estimating its true level is difficult. Multiple approaches and sources
are needed, and the methods need to be fully open to review.
Yours,
Prof. John C Nash, nashjc@uottawa.ca
Dru Lavigne, dlavigne6@sympatico.ca
Russell McOrmond, russell@flora.ca
Charles MacDonald, cmacd@TelecomOttawa.net
Michael Richardson, mcr@sandelman.ottawa.on.ca
Raymond Wood, au516@freenet.carleton.ca