Note to all NGOs: please don’t make a mess with Microsoft donations

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Many non-profit, non government organizations (NGO), use pirated Microsoft software for their activities, because they have no money. Therefore, charging these organizations for software piracy is an effective way to shut down disturbing voices. Microsoft is giving such NGOs free licenses to invalidate such tactics, because it abhors any attempt to leverage intellectual property rights to stifle political advocacy or pursue improper personal gain. Good. Problem is, if NGOs aren’t careful, they may end up spending even more money than with licenses or locking into Microsoft software… all the people they try to serve. Here’s why.