Federation against software theft and investors in software join forces

Sep 4 2008 By Andrew Mernin

TWO of the most respected independent names in the UK software industry have joined forces improve the level of advice available to the end user.

The Federation Against Software Theft (FAST) and Investors in Software (IiS) have merged to strengthen and clarify the advice given to the end user community relating to best practice for software asset management (sam) and achieving cost efficient licence compliance.

The two organisations claim that their coming together will help the market benefit from a single body which can balance the often-polar positions of reducing licensing costs and mitigating compliance risks within the context of software license management (slm).

Both well-known brands of FAST and IiS will remain. The FAST brand will continue to focus on its role as a lobbying and software IP protection body, whilst IiS will continue to promote best practice and consistent standards to advance the professionalism in software asset management (SAM).

John Lovelock, Chief Executive of The Federation said: "This is the culmination of the work we have been doing in recent months to position ourselves not only as a lobbyist and protector of software IP rights, but as an organisation determined to help end users through education and best practice."

Shaun Frohlich, Chairman of IiS said: "This brings together two organisations that will deliver a holistic view of SAM and SLM here in the UK and evangelise consistency internationally. There is no doubt in our minds that this is a natural, next evolutionary step creating an organisation that spans the continuum from SLM to SAM."