The Federation Against Software Theft (Federation or FAST) and Investors in Software (IiS), two of the leading independent names in the UK software industry, have joined forces.
The new entity, under the auspices of the Federation, will keep both the well-known brands of FAST and IiS to respectively focus on their core propositions.
John Lovelock, Chief Executive of The Federation commented: “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 added: “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.”
“The consolidation of two authoritative bodies in this space is great news for the industry,” said Michala Wardell, Head of Anti-Piracy, Microsoft Corporation. “The intrinsic link between software asset management (SAM), software licence management (SLM), compliancy, and the protection of software IP can often be unclear. The coming together of FAST and IiS creates an entity covering all of the above that can offer clear and considered guidance and assistance to the end user in a practical manner.”
“Oracle was a member of both previous to the joining of the two organisations. We recognise the synergies and support the extended benefits that the combined organisation brings to the industry,” said Petra van Beneden, Director, EMEA LMS, Oracle.
