8% drop recorded in software piracy in Armenia over four years

PanARMENIAN.Net - Director of Microsoft Armenia Grigor Barseghyan said that the share of pirated software has decreased from 96-98% to 90%, as a result of four-year operation of the corporation’s office in Yerevan.

The Armenian office does not possess any official or unofficial data about the level of piracy in the country, while the provided statistics is based on international researches, Mr. Barseghyan told a press conference in Yerevan.

“Microsoft Company believes that it is necessary to inform Armenia’s population about importance of using a licensed package, as pirated software is dangerous,” he said, adding that time is required to change the mentality of the Armenian people.

According to Mr. Barseghyan, the government’s example is important in the struggle against piracy, as any country’s government is the biggest user of copyright in any field. “The issue of piracy is important for country’s image and security. Despite such level of piracy, around $5mln was paid to the Armenian budget due to Microsoft products sale over four years,” said Barseghyan.