Framingham, Mass.-based market research firm IDC estimates that 90 percent of the software used in China during 2004 was unlicensed.

-- Grant Gross, IDG News Service

Two Chinese vendors sign Windows deals

In advance of the Chinese government's mandate regarding the use of licensed operating systems, two computer makers in China promised to distribute only licensed versions of Windows under new agreements with Microsoft Corp.

At a ceremony here on April 7, Microsoft signed deals with Beijing-based Tsinghua Tongfang Co. and Huizhou-based TCL Corp. Wu Yi, the Chinese vice premier, attended the ceremony on her way to Washington for the economic and trade talks.