Tech Firm Alliance, Not Group Of Pols, Can Defeat Pirates; Lobbyist In Middle Of Fight.(INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY)(Q & A)

Byline: BRIAN DEAGON

Some of the largest technology companies have united to fight any attempt by the U.S. government to mandate technology standards to prevent digital piracy.

In late January, a coalition of tech firms and consumer groups formed the Alliance for Digital Progress. Its members include Cisco Systems Inc., Intel Corp., Microsoft Corp. and IBM Corp. Members also include the Business Software Alliance and the Computer Systems Policy Project.

The ADP's No. 1 goal for now is to stop efforts by Sen. Fritz Hollings, D-S.C., who last year introduced a bill called the Consumer Broadband and Digital Television Promotion Act. The bill would mandate that tech …