Colorado takes stand against software piracy

Colorado Gov. Bill Owens on Monday signed an executive order requiring state

entities to use only legal, licensed software.

Owens' order applies to all state agencies, as well as third parties doing

business with Colorado. The state joined California and Nevada, which have

also recently issued similar directives.

Owens' move was lauded by the Business Software Alliance, a coalition of

some of the world's largest software developers including Adobe Systems

Inc., Apple Computer Inc. and Microsoft Corp.

"Colorado is the third state to require strong software management programs

in government agencies," said Becca Gould, BSA's vice-president of public

policy in a release. "The order challenges businesses and other states to

promote jobs and economic growth by ensuring the use of only legal and licensed

software."