Approximately, 50,000 pirated DVDs of Microsoft Windows 7 are estimated to have been sold since the official launched on 22nd October. It generated unaccounted business of approximately, around Rs50 lakh (nearly $100,000).
The reason for the attraction of the pirated versions is that it cost only Rs 40 to Rs 250 in Naza Market in Hazratganj in Lucknow. A shopkeeper in Hazratgunj said, “this is the biggest market in the region’. He claims that at least 50,000 DVDs of the pirated Windows 7 have been sold since hitting the local markets within 24 hours of the official launch, fetching sellers about Rs 50 lakh so far.
The legal version of Microsoft Windows 7, the new operating system launched by Microsoft Corp costs between $150 to $300 (Rs 7,500 to Rs 15,000) in the international markets. However, Microsoft Corp tagged its prices 20% less bellow the international rates in India. It is available in the ranges of Rs 6,000 to Rs 11,000 through official channels. Despite the discounted rates, buyers are opting for the pirated version.
The police express helplessness in combating piracy. Police spokesman A.K. Pathak said, “We know what is going on for the past couple of decades. But we cannot act on our own. We need a formal complaint to act or else you (the media) will come down on us”.
