IDC Study

The Economic Benefits of Reducing PC Software Piracy
A Report by IDC, January 2008
Sponsored by the Business Software Alliance®

Reducing software piracy could create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, billions in information technology (IT) spending and economic growth, and new tax revenues to support local services.

A study commissioned by the Business Software Alliance (BSA) and conducted independently by International Data Corporation (IDC) finds that while all countries could benefit from reducing the use of illegal software on personal computers (PC), high-piracy emerging economies could experience the most dramatic, positive impacts.

“The Economic Benefits of Reducing PC Software Piracy” looks at the bottom line economic benefits of reducing piracy in 42 countries that together account for more than 90 percent of global IT spending in 2007. The study is designed to quantify the economic benefits to domestic economies that could be gained from a ten percentage point reduction in PC software piracy over a four year period, from 2008-2011.

“When countries take steps to reduce software piracy, everyone benefits,” said Robert Holleyman, president and CEO of BSA. “With more and better job opportunities, a stronger, more secure business environment, and greater economic contributions from the dynamic and robust IT sector, reducing software piracy is one way for governments to deliver tangible benefits to local economies.”

Summary of Findings (pdf)
Methodology & Key Definitions (pdf)

The following studies and press releases are being posted as this report rolls out globally. Please check back for updates.

Global Software Piracy Study, conducted by IDC for the Business Software Alliance, May 2007