admincalled “Microsoft Open Door” that was opened by Information Communication Technology Minister Nelson Chamisa.
The event attracted more than 300 ICT enthusiasts and trading industrial experts.
The general manager for Microsoft East and Southern Africa, Mr Eric Odipo, said Microsoft had unveiled a re-imagined Windows to the world with the launch of Windows 8.
“Instead of forcing people to adapt to technology, our focus is on consumerisation where technology adapts to the people’s needs,” he said
Mr Odipo expressed concern over the fact that 92 percent of Zimbabweans are using pirated software.
According to him, the statistics were part of a report that was based on the findings by the 2011 BSA Global Software Piracy Study, which ranks Zimbabwe among the top three pirating countries worldwide.
In response Minister Chamisa acknowledged the serious levels of piracy in the country saying that he had informed Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu on the need to lobby for much stiffer penalties against pirating.
“Pirating is destroying our industry, we need to take this monster head on. Any form of pirating has to be curbed and much more stiffer penalties would need to be adopted to make sure that we send a loud and clear message out there.
“We should penalise people with pirated copies, those distributing them and anyone who harbours those engaged in the practice,” said the minister.
Secretary for ICT Engineer Sam Kundishora, who also acknowledged the problems of piracy in the country, however, questioned the findings of the study.
“I personally agree that we have high piracy levels in Zimbabwe but a figure of 92 percent will only leave me questioning the source and the methodology used to ascertain such a terrifying figure as most large entreprises in Zimbabwe insist on genuine software and licences,” he said.
Engineer Kundishora encouraged Microsoft to re-establish offices in Zimbabwe.
Minister Chamisa said for African countries to successfully fight piracy there was need for Microsoft to implement a pricing system with Africa and the youths in mind.
He added that although many Africans appreciate Microsoft products, they were forced to go for pirated copies due to the prohibitive charges levied on the genuine products.
He was, however, quick to mention that poverty is not an excuse to commit any criminal offence as pirating deprives the creators of content of their intellectual property rights.
“Protecting IP fosters innovation, which leads to economic growth, job creation and encourages development of knowledge-based industries.
“When people invest time and considerable resources into nurturing an idea or product, only to have their ideas stolen it breaks down the research and development cycle resulting in less investment into new ideas,” he said.
Away from piracy issues the Microsoft Windows 8 launch dealt in detail about the product and there were practical demonstrations on how to get your way round the new operating system platform while it also concurrently unveiled the Microsoft Office 2013 and its server version the Windows Server 2012.
One interesting feature is the pinch to zoom that they roped in, which incidentally is the same feature at the centre of controversy in the Apple vs Samsung lawsuit.
Although the Microsoft event lived up to expectations, some technology enthusiasts felt that not much was shown or said on the Windows 8 tablet, the Windows RT and the new Huawei phone Microsoft 4Africa phone.
Hopes of seeing the latest tech gadgets in action sunk as Microsoft gave preference to and emphasis on other products including their cloud-based system, the new office package and latest Windows server.
The writer is the founding editor with TechnoMag, More on www.technomag.co.zw or join us on Facebook page http://facebook.com/technomagzw with FREE airtime quiz games, Email ictarticles[at]aim.com
Online Reporter