Novell Takes Down 'Genesis' Bulletin Board

Further Raids on Illegal Boards Imminent

MAY 28, 1996 -- The Novell Anti-Piracy Group closed down Belgium's largest
illegal Bulletin Board System (BBS) last week. The BBS, codenamed
'GENESIS', was run by Jean Louis Piret from offices in Brussels. A
settlement has resulted in the confiscation of $35,000 of computer
hardware and a punitive six figure sum in damages.

Novell Technical Investigators working under cover identified the Genesis
BBS. Novell then obtained a search order from the Belgium courts which was
executed on Wednesday 22nd May 1996.

The raid identified that Piret had computer equipment capable of storing
over 13 gigabytes of information. Piret himself estimated that he had in
excess of 40,000 software programs stored. These programs were made
available to the outside world via 10 telephone lines and could be
accessed by customers from all over the world.

Martin Smith, licensing manager, Novell Europe, Middle East and Africa
(EMEA) comments: "Piret had NetWare files on his system which were valued
at $66,580. These files were available to be downloaded by over 6,000 of
his customers.

"Bulletin Boards such as GENESIS deprive the software industry of millions
of dollars every year. Not only do software publishers suffer, but so do
the distributors, resellers and dealers who depend on legitimate software
sales for their livelihood."

Warning that further raids on illegal boards are imminent, Smith says: "The
message to all operators of illegal Bulletin Board Systems in Europe is
clear - if you have Novell products on your BBS you are a target for
prosecution."

Novell is the world's leading network software provider. Novell software
provides the infrastructure for a networked world, enabling its customers
to connect with other people and the information they need, anytime and
anyplace. Novell partners with other technology and market leaders to help
customers make networks a part of their everyday lives.

PRESS CONTACT:
Vivienne Wilson
Tel: +44 (0)1344 724460
Internet: vivienne_wilson@novell.co.uk
 
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