How-to Differentiate Between Microsoft Office vs Office 365?

Alexis Daniel

November 17, 2022

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Microsoft Office could win the award for the most popular document-oriented productivity suite for business and casual users. There are several devices on which Microsoft provides its Office tools and services. However, there are primarily two different versions of Microsoft Office suites: Microsoft Office and Office 365. The first is the most well-known and has existed for a long time, while Microsoft introduced the second in 2011. But what is the difference between Microsoft Office and Office 365? Which one ought you utilize? What advantages do they offer? Do the two genuinely differ from one another and what’s the overlap? Find out more in this article.

About Microsoft Office:

Microsoft Office includes a group of desktop, web and mobile productivity tools. Depending on your demands, it is available in various client and server-side software versions. Industry-standard programs like Microsoft Word and Excel are part of the traditional suite, while more expensive versions provided users with premium features like Skype for Business and was sold as a one-time purchase. The suite was created to simplify document creation. Due to its industry standard and solid and user-friendly programs, Microsoft Office has emerged as the most well-known name in the software industry. Microsoft Office has developed into more than just a set of programs used in business settings. Different Office programs can assist you in completing tasks around document editing and management, whether creating a presentation for a board meeting, typing out a memo, writing an essay for your school project, making an animated presentation, making a birthday invitation card, or organizing a vast database. The key takeaway is that Microsoft Office was a one-time purchase, that began as desktop-based client software and was the starting point for Microsoft’s document management toolset.

What is Office 365:

Office 365 began life as a subscription service, that gradually moved to web-first set of tools, with desktop tools available at some license levels.  When acquiring an account for Office 365, a subscription-based edition of the Microsoft Office Suite, you have a few choices. One option is Office 365 Personal, which offers one user total access to all Office applications. Another is Office 365 Home, which was intended for families with numerous individuals using office. It is a type of Software as a Service (SaaS) solution that combines the classic Microsoft Office desktop apps, Microsoft application services, and a few fresh productivity capabilities, all of which are accessible as consumable services from within Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform.

Difference Between Microsoft Office and Office 365:

Microsoft Office (2013, 2016, 2019) is a collection of software you may buy up front, install on your computer, and use forever. You would purchase a fresh copy of the most recent edition to use all the innovative features of the most recent version. There is no need to physically install Microsoft 365 on your PC because it is a cloud-based platform that requires a monthly or yearly subscription to utilize all the Microsoft apps and tools hosted on Microsoft servers, including online versions of Microsoft Office. The most recent versions of office are now licensed on a subscription-based model for all users, which is an exciting development in Microsoft’s transition to subscription-based models. The office may now be purchased as a subscription when previously subscription pricing was only offered to volume clients. Office can now be purchased as a subscription from single home usage licenses up to the largest corporations in the world.

Users always have access to the most recent version because Microsoft frequently updates the platform. It was created as a cloud-first service but is built on on-premises solutions (such as SharePoint Site and Exchange Server). Microsoft 365 will gradually replace Office 365 as the standard license for most businesses thanks to various all-inclusive subscription choices that include access to Microsoft cloud services, Windows 10 and Office 2016, among other things.

Essentials of Using Office 365 for Business:

You always have access to the newest features and functionality because it is a cloud-based subscription service, and the software and services are updated automatically when a new version is launched. You no longer have to wait for updates because they are made virtually and frequently, keeping you up to speed with features and patches. The following are the main advantages of utilizing Office 365:

1. Access Files Everywhere:

Your organization may save all its information in the cloud thanks to Office 365. Thus, they can be accessed from any location with an internet connection and on any device. Accessing all the applications and files, you require when away from the office is essential for organizations where mobile computing is vital.

2. Secure Cloud Storage:

Office 365 is an entirely safe environment with strong security controls, such as two-factor authentication, which ensures unauthorized users can’t access your files even if they somehow manage to get on your device. Security risks are quickly recognized and eliminated thanks to threat detection and anti-malware, which is crucial for businesses dealing with sensitive data or information. By utilizing Office 365, your company may conduct business without worrying about security.

3. Predictable Spend:

Office 365 is subscriber-style, paid for on a per-user, per-month basis. The degree of functionality you select for your business will determine the cost of your licenses. The cost of each license is determined by the various license levels, which contain various applications and products. Paying per user every month ensures a predictable outlay and aids in planning your IT budget for the coming year. There are no unforeseen or extra charges because the price of your licenses covers upgrades. If you purchase your licenses from Core, you can also modify the number of licenses you own at any moment, for example, if you hire or fire personnel. It prevents over-licensing and eliminates wastage.

4. Improved Communication:

Users of Office 365 have access to technologies that keep communication between Teams, SharePoint, Skype and Outlook simple and centralized. You can cooperate and always communicate regardless of location or time difference, thanks to Teams’ ability to hold conference calls and sessions with personnel and outside organizations anywhere in the world. Teams offers an instant messaging feature for cross-departmental cooperation and document co-authoring, where comments may be posted, and files can be uploaded simultaneously. On Teams, you can also “at” individuals, so they are alerted when a comment is made just about them.

Conclusion

Office 365 is a collection of many cloud-based productivity tools, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and more. Subscriptions may also include applications and services like Teams, Viva, Streams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Planner and even Yammer, Power Automate and PowerBI, depending on your chosen package. Microsoft office is a collection of services that includes Windows 10 Enterprise and Office 365. The above where the difference between Microsoft Office and Office 365.