The webcast, presented with software protection provider V.i. Labs, also discussed how EDA software vendors can recover revenue from the businesses that are using their software without paying for it.

Baeder noted that in 2003 piracy was not much of a concern because EDA tools were too complex and needed support services for end users to be productive. However, 2006 saw EDA software becoming easier to use and install, and outsourcing leading to increased piracy " resulting in one major EDA vendor going after a company that was using its cracked software.

Over the past three years, the Anti-Piracy Committee has been working with anti-piracy vendors and learning more about the issues to help answer questions about the most effective anti-piracy strategy for the industry. Baeder noted, "We still don't have a good, solid answer."

Victor DeMarines V.i. Lab's VP of Products presented his company's research on the increasing growth of piracy group releases of cracked software from the top seven EDA vendors over the last 10 years.

The EDAC committee is looking at the piracy problem from many different angles, including producers (the crackers), distribution channels and end users. While the committee is looking at various methods to "harden" the code and improve tamper resistance, Baeder explained that some solutions are difficult to implement and that prevention seems to be a never ending "Cat and Mouse" game with the crackers.

A recording of the webcast is available at the EDAC site.

As emerging markets become more competitive and piracy increases overseas, EDA vendors are looking for greater details on the scope of the piracy problem and the best strategies for addressing it.

Got any ideas and suggestions?