Microsoft has received a mixed response from resellers after it signalled a toughened stance on licence compliance in a controversial letter sent to its partners.
The software giant has been criticised as lacking subtlety by resellers which are angry that the letter implied a possible involvement in selling unlicensed software.
The opening paragraphs of the letter read: "Recently you have been buying fewer copies of Microsoft Office Professional from authorised Microsoft original equipment manufacturer distributors.
"We understand that competition for business is intense and that it is getting even tougher.
"Some system builders try to undercut their competitors by selling and installing copies of [software], making the situation worse for those selling licensed Microsoft software."
Mike Lawrence, managing director at reseller Bentpenny, said that the correspondence had left him fuming.
News source: vnunet - Microsoft piracy letter angers partners
