As a part of its efforts to help customers reduce their exposure to risk through non-genuine software, Microsoft India Pvt. Ltd today launched the Office Genuine Advantage (OGA) program. Starting Thursday, customers can volunteer to participate in this online program by accepting an automatic notification. Customers can then validate their Microsoft Office software, and make instant purchase of genuine Office through online purchase program http://www.buyoriginalms.com or from a local authorized Microsoft reseller. ?A recent survey by KPMG reveals that 39 percent Indian organizations reported security slip-ups of non-genuine software detection in their IT environment. By participating in the OGA program, customers can now reduce this risk, and be confident that their software is authentic and derive the maximum value from their investments,? said Tarun Malik, Director – Product Marketing & Strategy at Microsoft Corporation India.

3 easy steps to detect infected / non genuine Microsoft Office:

— Log In. User will be automatically invited to download and install OGA updates

— Accept the update notification. The system will restart

— Open an office application. OGA will verify the authenticity of software installed

— If non genuine software is detected ? buy original Office either online or from the nearest reseller

Software piracy is a worldwide problem that affects Microsoft, customers, partners, and local economies. Counterfeit software is increasingly becoming a vehicle for the distribution of viruses and malware that can target unsuspecting users, potentially exposing them to identity theft and corruption or loss of personal or business data. Mr. Vinnie Mehta, Executive Director, Manufacturers Association for Information Technology (MAIT) said, ?Unknown to most users, unauthorized software can disrupt smooth functioning of systems. Hence, it is imperative to educate customers against the use of non-genuine software be it at home, institutions, public or private enterprises?.

?The best way to protect customers is, first, to educate them about the issue of piracy, then help them spot counterfeit software, and finally, help them understand what they should do about it. With Office Genuine Advantage this is exactly what we are doing.? added Mr Malik.

WITH GENUINE OFFICE, YOU ARE SURE THAT:

— You are getting the most secure version of Office available

— You got what you paid for

— You have access to support from Microsoft or a trusted partner

— You enjoy access to the latest offers exclusively reserved for genuine Microsoft software users

— You are better protected with enhancements

OGA offers several options for customers to get genuine software:

– At participating local retailers and select System Builders.

– By buying a new PC with pre-installed Office Software

– Get a Volume License from a partner for 5 or more licenses

OGA works on Office XP, Office 2003 and the Microsoft Office 2007 System. Microsoft Office 2007 is the most widely used productivity suite worldwide, with over 500 million users. Moreover, Microsoft Office 2007 is also available in different versions customized according to customer requirements; these versions include Office Home and Student 2007, Office Standard 2007, Office Small Business Edition 2007 & Microsoft Office Professional 2007.