If your business is using ABSS Accounting or ABSS Premier (formerly MYOB), there is an important change coming that you should be aware of.
ABSS has announced that, effective 1st December 2026, it will discontinue the sale of new legacy on-premise (full pack) desktop licences in Malaysia, together with certain related services and support arrangements.
This marks an important development in the evolution of ABSS accounting software and is an opportunity for existing users to review their accounting systems and consider what is best for their business going forward.
At Deltatech, we would like to help existing ABSS customers understand what these changes mean and explore the alternatives available.
1. What Exactly Is Changing?
From 1 December 2026, ABSS will discontinue the following:
- Sale of new legacy on-premise desktop licences.
- Upgrade Cover and Premium Cover plans.
- Purchase of additional user licences.
- Purchase of additional company datafiles.
- ODBC read-only licences.
- Certain technical services, including datafile repair, troubleshooting, password extraction, serial number removal and file cancellation.
There are some important points existing users should understand.
Your existing software will not automatically stop working.
Customers can continue using their existing perpetual software under the terms of their licences.
If you have an active Upgrade Cover or Premium Cover agreement, your applicable benefits will continue until the agreement expires. However, if you wish to extend either agreement, you must do so by 30 November 2026.
From 1 December 2026, customers without active Upgrade Cover or Premium Cover who require additional users or company datafiles will need to move to ABSS Accounting Connect or ABSS Premier Connect.
In other words, while you can continue using your existing software, the options for expanding, upgrading and obtaining certain technical services will become more limited.
2. Why Is ABSS Making This Change?
According to ABSS, the decision is part of its product lifecycle and technology strategy.
There are several reasons behind the move:
Older Technology
The legacy desktop versions were developed using older technology frameworks. These are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain alongside modern operating systems and technology environments.
End of Product Lifecycle
The products have reached a stage where further improvements and enhancements are no longer practical.
Higher Security Requirements
Modern software needs to meet evolving security standards and expectations. Older applications may not be able to keep pace with these requirements.
Changing Compliance Requirements
Regulatory requirements, particularly digital reporting and e-Invoicing, increasingly require software to connect with external platforms and services. Older desktop applications were not designed with these capabilities in mind.
The direction is clear: accounting software is evolving beyond traditional desktop applications towards connected and cloud-based solutions.
3. What Are Your Options?
If you are currently using ABSS Accounting or ABSS Premier, you have two main alternatives worth considering.
Option 1: Move to ABSS Accounting Connect or ABSS Premier Connect
If you are comfortable with your existing ABSS accounting environment and would prefer not to change the way you work, this may be the more straightforward option.
ABSS Accounting Connect and ABSS Premier Connect operate on an annual subscription model.
They retain the familiar ABSS desktop accounting experience while introducing cloud-connected capabilities.
Some of the benefits include:
- LHDN e-Invoicing: Submit and manage e-Invoices through the connected services.
- AI Document Scanning: Capture information from bills and receipts to reduce manual data entry.
- Product Updates: Receive ongoing product enhancements and compliance-related updates.
- Technical Support: Access product guidance and technical assistance.
- Payroll Integration: Connect with Financio Payroll by ABSS.
- Additional Connectivity: Access connected services as they become available.
Your existing company datafiles can be converted to the newer Connect version through the supported conversion process.
This option is particularly suitable for businesses that wish to retain their familiar accounting processes while moving to a subscription-based product with ongoing enhancements.
Option 2: Move to ABSS Financio – A Fully Cloud-Based Accounting Solution
If you are ready to move beyond desktop accounting, you may wish to consider ABSS Financio.
Unlike ABSS Connect, which retains the desktop application, Financio is a fully web-based accounting solution.
Your accounting system and data are hosted online, allowing you to access your accounts through an internet connection without installing the accounting application on your office computer.
Some of the advantages include:
Access Your Accounts Anywhere
Access your accounting information using a computer, tablet or mobile device, whether you are in the office, at home or travelling.
Work from Different Locations
You are no longer dependent on a particular office computer or local installation to access your accounting system.
Better Collaboration
You can provide appropriate access to your accountant, bookkeeper, business partners or employees, with user permissions to control what each person can view or do.
Real-Time Financial Visibility
Access updated accounting information, charts and reports to help you monitor your business performance and make better-informed decisions.
Less Manual Accounting Work
Accounting automation helps simplify routine tasks such as recording invoices, payments and expenses.
Cloud-Based Data Management
Your accounting information is maintained on the cloud infrastructure, with backup arrangements and security measures managed by the service provider.
Financio is worth considering if your business wants greater flexibility, improved collaboration and a more modern approach to managing its accounts.
4. Which Option Is Right for Your Business?
There is no single answer that suits every business.
The right choice will depend on how you currently use ABSS, the number of users, the number of company datafiles, the complexity of your accounting requirements and your plans for the future.
Here is a simple comparison:
Consideration | ABSS Connect | ABSS Financio |
|---|---|---|
Type of software | Computer-based accounting software | Fully online accounting software |
Where can you use it? | On your office computer | Anywhere with an internet connection |
Installation | Installed on your computer | No installation required |
Multiple users | Depends on subscription | Supports multiple users |
Collaboration | Traditional desktop workflow with connected services | Online collaboration and user permissions |
Pricing | Annual subscription | Annual subscription |
Best suited for | Existing ABSS users wanting continuity | Businesses looking for greater flexibility, easier access to their accounts, better collaboration and the convenience of managing their finances from anywhere. |
Both options offer a way forward, but they represent different approaches to accounting.
If you prefer the familiar ABSS desktop environment, Connect may be the natural progression.
If you want greater flexibility and the advantages of a fully online accounting system, Financio may be worth exploring.
5. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Although the changes only take effect on 1 December 2026, it is worth starting the conversation early.
There are several practical considerations when planning a transition:
- Reviewing your existing software licences and Upgrade Cover or Premium Cover arrangements.
- Assessing the number of users and company datafiles you currently require.
- Understanding the data conversion process and any migration considerations.
- Reviewing your existing accounting procedures and integrations.
- Allowing sufficient time for testing, familiarisation and staff training.
Most importantly, it is sensible to explore your options while the supported data conversion process is available and before you require additional licences or technical assistance that may no longer be offered.
A planned transition is generally much easier than having to make a decision under time pressure.
6. Let Deltatech Help You Explore Your Options
At Deltatech Computer Systems & Solutions, we have been helping Malaysian businesses with their accounting software requirements since 1999.
We understand that changing accounting software can be a significant decision. It involves more than simply installing a new application. Your historical accounting records, business processes and the people who use the system all need to be considered.
We would therefore like to invite existing ABSS customers to a free, one-on-one virtual consultation session with our team.
During the session, we will:
- Review your current ABSS software and how you use it.
- Explain the differences between ABSS Connect and ABSS Financio.
- Discuss your data conversion and migration options.
- Help you understand the costs and implications of each alternative.
- Explore which solution is likely to be the best fit for your business.
There is no charge and absolutely no obligation to proceed with any purchase.
Our objective is simply to help you understand the changes, consider your options and plan ahead with confidence.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Don’t wait until the deadline approaches.
Contact Deltatech today to arrange your free virtual consultation.
Let’s discuss how you can move forward with confidence.