What is stopping anyone from using MicroSoft Office 2007 Home and Student in a small business?

Question

So MS Office 2007 Home and Student isn't licensed for use in a small business but how would anyone know? it's much cheaper than Office Business... what could happen?

there are no bootleg products involved here

Answer 1

Nothing except an SIIA audit. Your employees may turn you in and trigger an SIIA audit, and they get a reward if SIIA catches your company with unlicensed software. Up to 1 million dollars.

http://www.siia.net/piracy/corporate.asp

Though chances are they won't go after smaller businesses... But... can you afford to take the risk?

EDIT: Doesn't matter if it's NOT bootlegged. You're NOT qualified for the academic license. Thus, if you use it, your copy is unlicensed, and subject to penalties if caught.

Answer 2

If one chooses to break the law on that, at some stage someone always reports it - and that's considered illegal software, the fine for that is $1000 per file - would that really be worth it?
Plus, there are a few other ways, if any of those machines even go online to check mail, that their software would only work for a trial version since it cannot be activated. Uncle Bill's way ahead of you in the 2007 package.

Answer 3

particularly person-friendly: workplace 2007 student & abode contains: Microsoft workplace be conscious 2007 Microsoft workplace Excel 2007 Microsoft workplace PowerPoint 2007 Microsoft workplace OneNote 2007 workplace 2007 Small agency contains: Microsoft workplace Outlook 2007 With agency touch supervisor Microsoft workplace be conscious 2007 Microsoft workplace Excel 2007 Microsoft workplace PowerPoint 2007 Microsoft workplace writer 2007 Microsoft workplace Accounting exhibit 2007

Answer 4

If you get up dates from the internet for other micros**t products they my do a auto check to see what other micros**t products you have.

micros**t has been working for years to build a system to stop thing like this. if they get there system to work anytime you go on the internet they can due a system check for bootleg micros**t products.

Answer 5

It would be difficult to prove an issue in this type of case, but technically, you'd be in violation of the licensing agreement and could be fined.

Answer 6

if you're in need of an office suite try openoffice.org
it's free and compatible with MS Office and supports their file formats
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