Software piracy reduction can generate $1.6 billion in India: IDC

A reduction in usage of pirated software in the manufacturing sector by 10 percentage points over the next four years can generate $1.6 billion revenue for India and can also add 15,000 jobs as well, a white paper issued by the International Data Corporation (IDC) stated Thursday.

Out of this $1.6 billion, $700 million is expected to come as new revenue from the IT industry and $900 million as new revenue from other related industries.

"Software piracy is expected to have a negative impact on India's growing manufacturing sector. Both large and small enterprises in this sector will have to ensure IT compliance for continued sectoral growth and positive impact on the economy. The insidious challenge of software piracy in India, is drawing global attention and might affect India's competitive edge," Jaideep Mehta, vice president and general manager - South Asia, IDC said.

The pirated software used by the mid-sized companies in India can expose the company to an export loss of $35 million.

The report also added that the new IT jobs and revenue, generating out of reduction in piracy, would in turn create another 34,000 jobs in the general economy and add $230 million to the local tax base over the next four years.