Microsoft Office 365 Reviews 2018: A Comparison to Perpetual Licenses

As we approach the end of 2018, Microsoft has announced its plans to discontinue adding features to its Office suite after a certain point in time. This news may leave some users wondering whether they should opt for a perpetual license or switch to Microsoft Office 365. In this article, we'll delve into the differences between the two options and explore which one might be best suited for your needs.

Office 2019: A Perpetual License

Microsoft has introduced Office 2019, a suite of perpetual apps that will not receive new features after the initial purchase. This means that users who buy Office 2019 will get a snapshot in time of the software's capabilities, which may or may not include some of the latest features and updates. Some of the notable additions in Office 2019 include improved inking, data analysis for Excel, Morph and Zoom transitions for PowerPoint, and more.

On the other hand, perpetual licenses like Office 2019 require a one-time payment, which can be a significant upfront cost. For example, Amazon sells a single copy of Microsoft Home & Business for $210. While this may seem daunting, some users prefer the idea of owning their software outright without worrying about recurring payments.

Office 365: A Subscription-Based Model

Microsoft Office 365, on the other hand, is a subscription-based service that offers access to the latest features and updates regularly. The company encourages customers to sign up for Office 365 instead of buying perpetual licenses, as this model provides users with continuous support and new functionality.

One of the main benefits of Office 365 is its flexible pricing structure. Microsoft offers various plans, including a personal plan for $100 per year or an enterprise plan for businesses. This means that users can choose the plan that best suits their needs and budget.

Another advantage of Office 365 is that it allows users to access their files from anywhere, at any time, as long as they have an internet connection. Additionally, Microsoft periodically adds new features to the versions of the Office apps that ship with Office 365, ensuring that users always have access to the latest tools and functionality.

Basic Functions: What's Included?

While some users may be satisfied with basic functions like spell-checking, others may want more advanced features and capabilities. In this regard, Microsoft Office 365 offers a wider range of features and tools compared to perpetual licenses like Office 2019.

In conclusion, the choice between Microsoft Office 365 and perpetual licenses like Office 2019 ultimately depends on your needs and preferences as a user. If you're looking for access to the latest features and updates regularly, Office 365 may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer owning your software outright without recurring payments, a perpetual license like Office 2019 could be the way to go.

Microsoft Office 365 reviews in 2018 indicate that users are generally satisfied with the service, praising its flexibility and continuous updates. However, some users may find the subscription-based model more expensive than buying perpetual licenses upfront. Ultimately, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

Microsoft office 365 reviews 2018