Microsoft Malaysia director, information worker business group, Raveesh Gupta said that from 27 January, the voluntary update helped ensure that customers have genuine Office and are able to avoid the pitfalls of non-genuine software.

"We have millions of customers relying on Microsoft Office for business and personal purposes," said Gupta. "We need to ensure that Office users enjoy the experience of full software capabilities so the onus lies with us to continuously promote awareness on the merits of using only original software."

Gupta said counterfeit software has emerged as big business and is becoming an increasingly common way for criminals to deceive the public, and even commit fraud by stealing personal information. "By using genuine Microsoft Office, customers help avoid the risks and viruses associated with non-genuine software. Genuine Microsoft Office is supported by Microsoft and its partners, and is the only type eligible for security updates and other important upgrades."

"Users put themselves at risk when they use non-genuine Microsoft Office and it has been proven that using non-genuine software exposes a user's PC to virus infiltration and spyware which ultimately can lead to hardware damage or invasion of personal privacy," Gupta continued.

Local economies helped by genuine copies