Federation Against Software Theft

(FAST) A non-profitmaking organisation, formed

in 1984 by the software industry with the aim of eradicating

{software theft} within the UK. Prosecuting on average one

organisation every ten days, FAST gives a member organisation,

which has signed a Code of Ethics and is committed to the

carrying out of a regular {software audit}, a period of grace

before bringing action if there is evidence of irregularities

by the member organisation.

In addition to prosecuting organisations and individuals for

software theft, FAST set up a campaign of public education and

awareness to ensure that users of commercial software

understand the effects of software theft - primarily the legal

penalties for copyright breach and the increased risk of virus

infection through the uncontrolled spread of software. It is

estimated that European software houses alone lose $6 billion

per year through the unlawful copying and distribution of

software, with much of this loss being through business users

rather than "basement hackers". One Italian pirating operation

employed over 100 staff and had a turnover of $10m.

However, FAST is limited to the UK and in 1995 proposed to

merge with the {Business Software Alliance} created by

{Microsoft} and which has a world-wide influence. However,

the talks fell through and in 1996, {Novell} and {Adobe

Systems, Inc.} defected to BSA.

{Home (http://www.serverworld/com/fast.html)}.

Telephone: :44 (1753) 527 999.

(1996-09-27)