Key Takeaways:
- Microsoft Office is used by billions of people worldwide for work and school, in various settings.
- There are two ways to buy Office: the perpetual version (one-time purchase) and the subscription version (cloud-based).
- The subscription version is called Microsoft 365 and is available for personal, small business, and enterprise use.
- Microsoft prefers the cloud-based version and offers incentives for purchasing Microsoft 365.
- There are three options for personal use: Office Home & Student 2021 (one-time purchase), Microsoft 365 Personal (annual or monthly fee for one user on multiple devices), and Microsoft 365 Family (annual or monthly fee for five users on multiple devices).
- Each option includes various applications, with Microsoft 365 offering more than the other two.
- Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that provides the latest productivity tools from Microsoft.
- There are plans for home and personal use, as well as for small and midsized businesses, large enterprises, schools, and non-profits.
- Microsoft 365 plans for home or business include desktop apps like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as extra cloud storage and cloud-connected features for real-time collaboration.
- Subscribers always have access to the latest features, fixes, and security updates, as well as tech support at no extra cost.
- Microsoft 365 Family plan allows sharing of subscription benefits with up to five additional people.
- Microsoft 365 Basic is a new subscription that includes 100GB of cloud storage, secure ad-free email, and Microsoft support.
- Most plans for business, schools, and non-profits include fully installed desktop apps, but there are also basic plans with online versions of Microsoft 365, file storage, and email.
- Office 2021 is sold as a one-time purchase for one computer, with no upgrade options.
- Microsoft 365 for the web is a free version of Microsoft 365 that can be accessed through a web browser.
- Small business owners can find more information on Microsoft’s website.
- Microsoft provides two productivity software solutions: Microsoft 365 and Office 2021.
- Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service with cloud-based functionalities and regular updates, while Office 2021 is a standalone product available as a one-time purchase with a perpetual license.
- Each offering has its unique features, benefits, and limitations.
- A comprehensive comparison between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 is provided to help users make an informed selection based on their requirements and circumstances.
- The comparison includes aspects such as cost, application availability, feature updates, device compatibility, advanced features, online storage, and technical support.
- Office 2021 is a one-time purchase with no feature updates, limited to one device, and no advanced features on tablets and phones. It also has initial technical support for installation only.
- Microsoft 365 requires a monthly or annual payment, includes all Microsoft 365 applications, has feature updates, can be installed on multiple devices including tablets and phones, has advanced features on tablets and phones, and includes 1 TB of online storage and ongoing technical support.
- Over 1 billion people across all work fields use Microsoft Office, with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint considered cornerstone applications.
- Microsoft offers two main product categories: Microsoft Office (stand-alone suite) and Office 365 (online subscription-based service).
- Office 365 controls more than 48% of the market share and offers numerous plans depending on organization’s needs and budget.
- Microsoft 365 is a suite of productivity tools that includes Office 365, Azure, and Windows.
- Office 365 was launched in 2011 as a cloud-based alternative to the desktop versions of Microsoft Office tools.
- Office 365 became popular among businesses due to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
- Microsoft introduced Microsoft 365 in 2017 as a united brand for enterprise cloud solutions.
- Office 365 became a part of the Microsoft 365 brand in 2020.
- Microsoft plans to phase out the Microsoft Office brand entirely in late 2022.
- Microsoft Office tools, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, are now a part of Microsoft 365.
- These tools are often used generically to refer to solutions in their respective fields.
Introduction to Microsoft Office and purchasing options
Microsoft Office has become a staple in both the workplace and at home. With the introduction of Office 365, many are left wondering which purchase option would be best suited for them. In this section, we will examine the available purchasing options for Microsoft Office, including the perpetual license and subscription-based cloud service.
Perpetual license
A perpetual license is a well-known software licensing model that gives users the advantages of a product forever with only one payment. You only get the version of the software you purchased, and no future updates or upgrades. Say, with Microsoft Office, you can purchase Office 2019 or an old version for one payment, and access it on a single device.
A perpetual license has some benefits. For instance, it reduces costs over time, and gives users more control over the software’s use and updates. But, it also means you may miss out on new features and upgrades in future versions.
Bear in mind that perpetual licenses for Microsoft Office are not as available as before. Because Microsoft has shifted to subscription-based cloud services like Microsoft 365. While perpetual licenses could be suitable for some, if you prefer access to regular updates and extra features, you should think about subscribing to a cloud-based service.
Recently, there has been much discussion around which licensing option is best for people or businesses. Some agree that subscription-based models like Microsoft 365 provide more value in the long run, as they give continuous access to updated functions and support. Others prefer a perpetual license, since it gives more ownership of the product. In the end, the selection between these options will depend on factors like individual requirements and budget limits.
Subscription-based cloud service
Microsoft offers a subscription-based cloud service called Microsoft 365. It provides remote access to Microsoft applications and services. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Plus, OneDrive cloud storage and SharePoint collaboration tools. Users can access their files and data from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection.
Microsoft keeps updating and adding new features to the service. Before, they offered Office 365. Now, they provide a more comprehensive suite of productivity tools under one subscription model.
Microsoft 365: Subscription-based cloud service
With Microsoft 365 being a subscription-based cloud service, users can access more features and benefits than its traditional counterpart, Office. Let’s take a look at the plans available for personal use and small business, applications included, and additional features to see why Microsoft 365 might be the better option.
Plans available for personal use and small business
Microsoft 365 provides multiple subscription plans for personal and small business use, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget. Check out the table to see the different plans:
| Plan | Description |
|---|---|
| Microsoft 365 Personal | This plan offers premium access to Office applications for one person across multiple devices. It also includes OneDrive cloud storage and Skype minutes. |
| Microsoft 365 Family | This plan covers up to six people and has all the same features as Microsoft 365 Personal. |
| Microsoft 365 Business Basic | This is perfect for businesses with basic needs – it includes online Office apps, file storage, and sharing. |
| Microsoft 365 Business Standard | This plan combines online and desktop Office applications with extra management tools and services. |
| Microsoft 365 Business Premium | This plan includes everything in Business Standard with advanced security features and device management tools. |
Microsoft 365 also offers access to other applications like Teams, Power Automate, Power Apps, Stream, Forms, Yammer, and SharePoint. When choosing between O365 and Office 2021, look into the features and benefits of each to make the right decision.
Applications included
Microsoft 365 is a productivity suite. It has many applications for business and personal use – like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams. It keeps these applications up-to-date with new features. Microsoft has offered productivity tools like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for over 30 years. Initially, they were independent applications. But now, they are a cloud service with a range of applications. OneDrive is another tool Microsoft 365 provides. It gives access to cloud storage services.
Additional features and benefits
Microsoft Office 365 offers its users lots of advantages, including cloud-based storage. This means users can access their work from any place with permission. Sharing files with others is also simple, without needing separate software.
Plus, Microsoft Teams is included in Office 365 subscriptions. This allows users to connect and collaborate with their team members straight from Word or PowerPoint. Microsoft also provides customer support services.
Microsoft 365 offers more than Office 2021 suites. Users obtain full access rights to native mobile apps that are just as useful as the desktop versions. They can work even when offline. Plus, they have access to premium content, like royalty-free images.
Subscribers to Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plans (available at a reasonable monthly or yearly fee) get a free one-hour consultation session with a ‘Microsoft expert’ each month. This is very useful in improving workflows. Subscribe and enjoy extra features and benefits, not available if you buy a standalone version of Office.
Office 2021: Stand-alone suite
The stand-alone suite, Office 2019, is a popular option for those seeking a one-time purchase for one computer. In this section, we’ll explore the key features and limitations of this stand-alone suite. Please note that Office 2019 does not have a free web version.
We’ll also take a closer look at the differences between Office 2019 and Microsoft 365. Office 2019 is a perpetual license, which means it does not require a subscription fee, unlike Microsoft 365. However, Microsoft 365 has more features and regular updates compared to Office 2019.
Limited to one-time purchase for one computer
The Office 2021 software suite is great for users who don’t want to commit to a recurring subscription plan. With a one-time purchase, you get a perpetual license for one device. Be aware though, additional fees may be required to access future updates. This package has one big difference from other Microsoft products: no recurring payments.
It’s worth noting that Office 2021’s features are limited compared to Microsoft 365. You get Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook, but no cloud storage or regularly updated productivity tools.
No commitment? No problem. Microsoft Office 2021 has a free web version too. All in all, Office 2021 is an affordable and convenient option for those who only need Microsoft Office on one device.
Available as a free web version
Microsoft Office 2021 isn’t free for web users. But, Microsoft has an Office Online, with limited features, free for all web users. Accessible by any browser, with no software purchases needed. Plus, Office Online has cloud-based storage, which lets users access their files anywhere and on different devices.
However, Office Online is limited compared to Microsoft 365 or Office 2021. Power BI and Planner aren’t accessible via Online. For individuals seeking a cheaper alternative, Office Online is ideal. No need to install software, but if you need advanced features, it’s better to buy Office 2021 or subscribe to Microsoft 365.
In summary, Office 2021 is stand-alone, while Microsoft 365 is enhanced with extra features.
Differences with Microsoft 365
Microsoft Office 2021 differs from Microsoft 365. It’s a one-time purchase for 1 computer, while Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based cloud service. There are plans for personal, small business, and enterprise users in Microsoft 365. Office 2021 is for individual users only.
We created a table to show differences (see below):
| Features | Office 2021 | Microsoft 365 |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | One-time purchase one PC only | Subscription-based cloud service |
| Online versions of Office apps | Yes, but with limited functionality | Full version available |
| Additional apps such as Publisher, Access | No | Yes |
| Real-time collaboration | No | Yes, in web version only |
There are additional apps like Publisher and Access in Microsoft 365 but not Office 2021.
Real-time collaboration is available in Microsoft 365’s web version, not Office 2021’s web app.
Consider your requirements when choosing between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021. If you need basic software for 1 computer, Office is better. But if you need enhanced communication and collaboration, Microsoft 365 is more suitable. The differences between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 are big.
Microsoft 365 vs. Office 365: Key differences
Did you know that there are significant differences between Microsoft 365 and Office 365? In this section, we will delve into these differences and see what they mean for you. Microsoft 365 is a comprehensive suite of productivity tools, while Office 365 is a cloud-based productivity suite. Additionally, we will discuss the phasing out of the Microsoft Office brand. So, get ready to learn more about these two highly popular Microsoft offerings.
Microsoft 365 as a suite of productivity tools
Microsoft 365 is an impressive suite of productivity tools, ideal for both personal and business use. It gives access to all the latest versions of Microsoft Office apps, for example, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Plus, it includes collaboration tools, like SharePoint and Teams, for team-work and communication.
A major benefit of Microsoft 365 is its subscription-based model. This lets users access the suite with more scalability and payment options. Plus, they get automatic updates, with no extra costs. Additionally, cloud-storage solutions, like OneDrive, provide 1TB per user, for data access across devices from anywhere.
IT admins can manage user accounts remotely from one web-based console. And, users can trust the security features of this cloud service. Monitoring options are also available.
In conclusion, Microsoft 365 is a great suite of tools, with a user-friendly interface. Beginners in digital space can work with ease, while efficiently carrying out business functions. In short, Microsoft 365 is worth having on your productivity tool belt.
Office 365 as a cloud-based alternative
Office 365 is a great alternative to regular Microsoft Office. It’s subscription-based, meaning users get the latest versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Plus, it’s flexible: documents can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Team collaboration is easier too; documents can be edited and co-authored in real time.
As opposed to Office 2021, Office 365 packs more features. These include OneDrive cloud storage, Skype for Business chat, Outlook email and calendar management tools. Hence, Office 365 is the smart choice for organisations that need more comprehensive tools.
Microsoft Office is getting a makeover with Clippy the assistant bidding a goodbye. Office 365 is an ideal solution for those seeking flexibility and collaboration for their productivity needs.
Phasing out of the Microsoft Office brand
Microsoft is still rocking the brand name ‘Microsoft Office’. Recently, they even dropped a new version, Office 2021, with a one-time fee. Along with Office 2021, Microsoft also presented Microsoft 365 as a cloud-based subscription service. But this doesn’t mean they’re shunning the traditional software model with the Office brand.
Microsoft is always making improvements to their products and services. Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 are the latest. Both offer the option to subscribe to cloud-based services for regular updates and access across multiple devices. Microsoft keeps up the quality of their productivity tools, with both Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 offering a variety of features for users across industries.
It may be a challenge for some to make the transition from traditional software models to cloud-based services. However, many report improved connectivity and access since switching. Those who prefer stand-alone options still have Office 2021 available alongside Microsoft 365.
How to choose between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021
When it comes to picking between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021, it’s essential to think of their features and advantages. Both software options are popular but Microsoft 365 stands out for its premium features like cloud storage, collaboration tools, and security updates. Subscription plans give access to these benefits.
Office 2021 is a one-time purchase and includes popular applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. It, however, lacks the comprehensive features of Microsoft 365.
Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based service, which makes it great for remote work and collaboration. It gives a wide range of tools and services that cater to businesses of different sizes and industries. This is in contrast with Office 2021, which provides basic software applications without added advantages of cloud storage and collaboration tools.
In the end, the choice between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021 depends on individual needs and preferences. Microsoft 365 offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services, while Office 2021 is a reliable option for those seeking basic software applications. So, before making a choice, it’s essential to carefully consider your requirements and weigh the benefits of each option.
Five Facts About Microsoft 365 vs Office 2021: A Comparative Analysis
- ✅ Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based subscription service that provides access to the latest productivity tools from Microsoft for personal, small business, and enterprise use. (Source: Computerworld)
- ✅ Office 2021 is a one-time purchase product with a perpetual license, limited to one computer, and without feature updates or advanced features on tablets and phones. (Source: EPC Group)
- ✅ Microsoft 365 plans for home or business include desktop apps like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as online storage and cloud-connected features for real-time collaboration. (Source: Microsoft)
- ✅ Microsoft 365 requires recurrent annual payments, whereas Office 2021 has a one-time upfront fee for a perpetual license. (Source: Nakivo)
- ✅ Microsoft plans to phase out the Microsoft Office brand by late 2022, with Microsoft 365 becoming the primary brand for all its productivity tools, which include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. (Source: Sharegate)
FAQs about O365 Vs Office: A Comparative Analysis
What is Microsoft Office and how is it sold?
Microsoft Office is a productivity software used by billions of people worldwide for work and school, in various settings. It is available in two ways: the perpetual version (one-time purchase) and the subscription version (cloud-based), known as Microsoft 365, which is available for personal, small business, and enterprise use. Microsoft prefers the cloud-based version and offers incentives for purchasing Microsoft 365.
What are the differences between Office 2021 and Microsoft 365?
The main differences include the payment model (one-time purchase vs. monthly/annual subscription), application availability, feature updates, device compatibility, advanced features, online storage, and technical support. Office 2021 is sold as a one-time purchase for one computer, with no upgrade options or feature updates, and limited to one device. It also does not offer advanced features on tablets and phones and initial technical support is limited to installation only. Microsoft 365, on the other hand, is a subscription-based service that offers all Microsoft 365 applications, advanced features, can be installed on multiple devices including tablets and phones, and includes 1 TB of online storage and ongoing technical support. Subscribers always have access to the latest features, fixes, and security updates, as well as tech support at no extra cost.
What are the Microsoft 365 plans for home and business use?
Microsoft 365 offers plans for personal and small business use, as well as for large enterprises, schools, and non-profits. For personal use, there are three options: Office Home & Student 2021 (one-time purchase), Microsoft 365 Personal (annual or monthly fee for one user on multiple devices), and Microsoft 365 Family (annual or monthly fee for five users on multiple devices). Each option includes various applications, with Microsoft 365 offering more than the other two. Customer plans include desktop apps like Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, along with extra cloud storage and cloud-connected features for real-time collaboration. The Microsoft 365 Family plan allows sharing of subscription benefits with up to five additional people, and the new Microsoft 365 Basic subscription includes 100GB of cloud storage, secure ad-free email, and Microsoft support.
What applications are included in the Microsoft Office suite?
The Microsoft Office suite includes various applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and more. Most plans for business, schools, and non-profits include fully installed desktop apps, but there are also basic plans with online versions of Microsoft 365, file storage, and email. Microsoft 365 for the web is a free version of Microsoft 365 that can be accessed through a web browser.
What is the difference between Office 365 and Microsoft 365?
Office 365 was launched in 2011 as a cloud-based alternative to the desktop versions of Microsoft Office tools. In 2017, Microsoft introduced Microsoft 365 as a united brand for enterprise cloud solutions. Office 365 became a part of the Microsoft 365 in 2020. Microsoft 365 is a suite of productivity tools that includes Office 365, Azure, and Windows. Microsoft 365 includes all Microsoft 365 applications, advanced features, can be installed on multiple devices, and includes 1 TB of online storage and ongoing technical support.