As I am from the lower class in a country in the developed world, I can empathize with people in developing countries. I feel that technology is essential to economic success, especially in this globalized world where information needs to flow rapidly. The most developed countries in 2005 had technology as a significant sector in their economy, compared with developing countries where technology is a minor player in economic growth.
Back to topCitizens in Developing World Justified in Using Illegal Software
I agree that it might not be justified for people who are unable to afford digital items such as music and games to use illegal means to acquire them. However, I feel that people in the developing world are being denied equal opportunities as opposed to their counterparts in more developed countries due to inability of the former to afford essential software.
It is unjustifiable for one to acquire music and games without due remuneration to their creators just for the sake of seeking pleasure. However, software is of a different nature, acquired primarily for increasing efficiency and productivity in business.
As the economies of developing countries experience rapid growth, developing countries will be exposed to the influence of technology from the developed world. Computers offer a reliable and proven method of processing data and storing records, both of which serve to enhance efficiency and productivity. Yet, enhancement of efficiency and productivity hinges upon the use of expensive software.
Unfortunately, most major software titles available today are marketed by companies in developed countries. This means that prices of software are benchmarked against economies of developed countries. As a result, I feel that people and businesses in developing countries, being unable to afford essential software, are being disadvantaged, compared to their counterparts in developed countries.
In this sense, it is justified to some extent for people living in developing countries to acquire essential software through unendorsed means due to the relatively high prices of essential software.
Back to topSoftware Companies Should Adjust Pricing Accordingly
I feel that more can be done to tackle copyright? infringement other than having governments of developing countries to agree to curb it. With high demand and supply levels of pirated products, along with the availability of commercial software, music and other copyrighted material on the Internet, it is almost impossible for governments in developing countries to deal with copyright infringement. We have to consider that the governments’ attention and resources would be more focused on more pressing issues such as unemployment, healthcare and security.
Instead, companies producing and selling copyrighted material such as software and music should take into account the different disposable incomes of people living in different countries and adjust their pricing accordingly. This would firstly enable people living in developing countries to acquire copyrighted works at a reasonable price through legal means, rather than have them acquire the works illegally. Secondly, companies would boost their profits as although each person pays less for copyrighted products, companies now have a much larger market.
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