Merge Offers Software Amnesty Program

HDM Breaking News, October 7, 2008

Medical imaging software vendor Merge Healthcare has launched an amnesty program for organizations that are using unauthorized copies of its eFilm Workstation image viewing software.

More than 100,000 copies of the software have been downloaded from the Milwaukee-based vendor's Web site since 2003 for a three-month trial use. Merge does not know how many organizations declined to license eFilm Workstation and still are using the trial version. The vendor requests users of the software with concerns over the validity of their copies to complete a software audit form, available at authenticefilm.com. Noncompliant users will be able to purchase a license without penalty during the amnesty period, which expires on Dec. 31.

After that time, Merge will report noncompliant organizations to the Software & Information Industry Association, which has a program to thwart software piracy. The association will conduct audits and seek damages. The association also will require noncompliant organizations to purchase a current license from Merge.

Merge is a new member of the association and the first pure medical software vendor to joint its anti-piracy program. More information is available at siia.net.

For more information on related topics, visit the following channels:

• Medical Imaging
• Vendor News
• Hospitals
• Group Practices