Leading computer software manufacturer, Microsoft is collaborating with Ghanaian software distributing firm, Hiperdist and the Copyright Office to apprehend people engaged in computer software piracy. The move will serve as a disincentive to corporate and individual pirates. Hiperdist says activities of pirates are taking a major toll on unsuspecting businesses, leading to a drop in revenue collected by governments by about 30 percent or more. Microsoft Product Manager for Hiperdist, Vincent Mante has told Luv Fm that the practice can stifle innovation and negatively affect job creation in the ICT industry. He indicated the business is collaborating with the Copyright Office to sensitize end users of computer software on the need to buy only genuine software. Mark Ihimoyan who is in charge of Small and Medium Business and Distribution lead for Microsoft West Africa emphasized there are dangers involved in using fake or pirated software on the computer. According to him, piracy opens systems up to viruses and malicious attacks as well as compromises security identifications which affect performance. Microsoft and Hiperdist have meanwhile ended a training programme for computer software resellers and end users in the northern sector of the country. Story by Elton John Brobbey/Luv Fm/Ghana