Software

Unlicensed Software Use Rife Among UK Web Professionals

Strategic Insights

Feb 21, 2010 — 1 min read

UK web designers and developers admit to frequently using unlicensed software, with 59% of those surveyed placing themselves and their work at risk. Economic pressures and the need for the latest software have led many to cut corners, but this tactic can result in bugs, downtime, and substantial fines. A campaign to combat the use of unlicensed software has been launched by FAST, the Federation Against Software Theft, which provides support for workers and employers who want to report illegal behavior.

Key Takeaways:

59% of UK web professionals surveyed have used unlicensed software, putting themselves and their work at risk.
Economic pressures and the need for the latest software are key factors in the use of unlicensed software.
FAST, the Federation Against Software Theft, has launched a campaign to combat the use of unlicensed software.
Workers and employers can report illegal software use to FAST and receive support and protection under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (Whistleblower Act).
Unlicensed software use can result in bugs, downtime, and substantial fines for companies.
Fasthosts Internet Ltd. is working with Microsoft to promote the WebsiteSpark program, which provides free licenses for Microsoft Expression and Visual Studio software to eligible users.

Statistics:

59% of UK web professionals surveyed by Fasthosts have used unlicensed software.
546 .NET magazine readers were surveyed by Fasthosts.
500 web designers conducted with .NET magazine found that more than half had used unlicensed web design software.
Economic pressures and the need for the latest software cost small agencies thousands of pounds for licenses.
59% of workers who use unlicensed software face bugs and do not benefit from access to support services.
Companies that use unlicensed software can be fined substantially.

Sources:

Cyber Media, "Unlicensed Software Use Rife Among UK Web Developers", 2010, distributed by Contify.com.
.NET magazine, survey of 546 readers conducted by Fasthosts.
Fasthosts Internet Ltd., press release.

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