CAAST OFFERS AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL SOFTWARE USERS
By Adnews Staff
The Canadian Alliance Against Software Theft wants to call a truce with small and mid-sized businesses in Ontario. The organization, which represents a group software publishers, seeks to reduce the illegal use of software. The one-month effort will target businesses in Barrie, Hamilton, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Ottawa and Toronto between March 1 and March 31. During that time, businesses can purchase licenses they may need for the legal use of illegally installed software without the normal penalties. A direct mail campaign by Go Direct Marketing will target 30,000 businesses. Radio advertising by J. Walter Thompson and public relations by iContact Communications will also be used to raise awareness. A special Web site at <http://www.caast.org/truce> and toll-free hotline have also been set up. Media planning and buying for the campaign are being handled by Excelerator Media. CAAST ran a similar campaign targeting businesses in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg last year.