Computerworld.ch: „Pre-Owned Software: Super Deal or Risk?“

It sounds too good to be true: maximum added value with minimal costs – pre-owned software makes it possible.

Because software cannot be weared down, cheap pre-owned versions can serve the purpose as well as others. Some Swiss companies already discovered this: For example, a Swiss bank company saved 390.000 Swiss franc by buying pre-owned Windows and Microsoft products. In addition to the low costs, companies can also resell software they do not need anymore. Software vendors try to stop the trade with deterrence and intimidation, but under certain conditions, a transfer is possible. Computerworld points out that it is important to know the origin of the rights – there has to be a „chain of rights“, which proves the exact way of the licence rights without any gaps. Boris Vöge, executive of the preo Software AG, also stresses this: „The buyer should be able to prove the origin of the licence with the chain of rights, otherwise, there is the risk of using pirate copies.“ According to Vöge, transparency is essential.

 

Source: Computerworld (German)

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