MS unveils Office validation program in India

NEW DELHI, INDIA: 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 today, customers can volunteer to participate in this online program by accepting an automatic notification, said a press release.

Customers can then validate their Microsoft Office software, and make instant purchase of genuine Office through online purchase program www.buyoriginalms.com or from a local authorized Microsoft reseller.

“A recent survey by KPMG reveals that 39 per cent 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 and Strategy at Microsoft Corporation India.

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 Malik.

OGA works on Office XP, Office 2003 and the Microsoft Office 2007 System.

Microsoft Office 2007 is 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 and Microsoft Office Professional 2007.