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However recently I was wandering around online and visited the Microsoft website I saw Vista Ultimate for US$ 269 (from memory). I then called Microsoft here in Bangkok to enquire about what happens if I download it and then there is later a problem, no CD what would happen.
I was told that in most of the world one cannot download Vista, or Office etc. Instead one has to buy it offline.
I said ok, so how much is it if I buy direct from Microsoft here in Thailand. At least that way I am assured it is not a copy. Was told that purchasing direct was also not an option, instead I have to purchase through resellers.
After a long discussion we got round to prices at the resellers and I discovered that Vista Ultimate etc is almost twice as expensive as the US download (if not a little more).
Now my little brain is confused. We all hear on the news about these bad countries not doing enough against piracy but what are the companies themselves doing?
I can only talk about prices here in Thailand, but I presume other countries have similar issues but why would Vista Ultimate etc be more expensive here that in the US? How does that help combat piracy? and Why can we not download these systems directly online or at the very least direct from Microsoft so we are assured of authenticity?
I could understand if it were the same price, some could argue it should even be cheaper, so why in this example, Microsoft, do they not make it easier to get the real thing?
Not sure if this answers your question, but it is something to consider.
Marshall
You can understand why it flourishes cant you?
Piracy will flourish as long as there is money to be made regardless of the "manufacturer's suggested retail price" or area of distribution.
Marshall
Piracy will flourish as long as there is money to be made regardless of the "manufacturer's suggested retail price" or area of distribution.
This is true, my point is what are they doing to actually reduce it.
Let's face it, most people understand that since Windows 2000 if you want security updates on a regular monthly basis you need genuine software.
Surely if Microsoft offered either a global price for its products or even better a price related to average income levels or something then this would help to combat piracy and at the same time reduce the risk of machines being taken over by viruses etc and sending us all emails about X, z and Y.
If they allowed users to download or purchase direct from them to help build confidence, if they gave us this choice at a reasonable price then surely that would help. At least more than just complaining that piracy is a problem. Perhaps they should double the price of their products in the US and see how that effects the piracy usage stats in the States.
[edited by: Visit_Thailand at 2:42 am (utc) on July 7, 2007]
As anti-competition and anti-monopoly laws in SE Asia are either non-existant or non-enforced, don't expect change any time soon. That in addition to police and enforcement services who don't try to act against piracy in broad daylight is pretty-much the reason why the market is more-or-less on the back-burner.
A final important thing that is missing in the whole equation is older verions. Microsoft pull back their old versions so fast that they never get a chance to go down in price... Windows 98 and ME should be still available at around the $15-20 range.
I could have bought either for around US$ 3 but I need the updates, and hence the security, that come with the original.
I am not saying I am for piracy on the contrary I feel these organizations need to be more proactive in educating the market place why it is better to buy the original versions. Not only that but show the markets that they understand that average wages in certain countries are less than in the US.
Of course this is not just about Microsoft, although I see absolutely no reason why I should pay double or over for a Microsoft product when they claim to be trying to combat piracy. Other companies do the same. Sony and Dell for example do not offer their top end laptop or PC models in Thailand yet they do in Singapore and HK. Even Gillettes latest razor blades are not available in Thailand.
It is as if the marketing guys do not understand that Thailand is a rich country. Agreed it is not rich per person as others but there is massive wealth here.
I just do not get it, especially when it comes to software which could be downloaded. Afterall when it comes to the top end Mercs and BMW's etc we have no choice but to acccept the prices offered, and anyone who has spent time in Thailand will attest to the numbers of those cars on the road (especially in Bangkok) and they aren't cheap.
[edited by: Visit_Thailand at 1:59 pm (utc) on July 7, 2007]
