Comparing Microsoft Office with Office 365

Prévia do material em texto

TECH IMPACT (https://techimpact.org/?
__hstc=148102376.bb356c9cb4aa2e74742c94144f46dca4.1586974729462.1586974729462.1586974729462.1&__hssc=148102376.5.1586974729463&__hsfp=3283545804)
ITWORKS (https://www.itworks.org) CXWORKS (https://www.cxworks.org) PUNCHCODE
(http://facebook.com/TechImpact.org) (http://twitter.com/Tech_Impact)
(https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-impact/)
Comparing Microsoft Office to Office 365
By Idealware Staff, September, 2013
 (https://www.idealware.org)
HTTPS://ORG.SALSALABS.COM/O/957/P/SALSA/DONATION/COMMON/PUBLIC/?
DONATE_PAGE_KEY=15960)
(MAILTO:?SUBJECT=A%20TECHNOLOGY%20RESOURCE%20FROM%20IDEALWARE&BODY=HTTPS://WWW.IDEALWARE.ORG/COMPARING-MICROSOFT-OFFICE-OFFICE-365)(PRINT)
SHARE THIS WITH A FRIEND:
With Microsoft offering cloud-based and installed versions of its popular office suite, 
users must decide which is right for them. We look at where the two versions overlap 
and diverge, and when each might make sense for your organization.
Long the standard-bearer of office and productivity suites, Microsoft Office is nearly 
ubiquitous, and its tools—including the most popular, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel—
have become shorthand for the types of software they represent. With the newest 
version of its software, Office 2013, Microsoft has begun to more heavily promote use 
of Office 365—a distinct edition which moves the Office suite away from single-user 
software installed on desktops and into multi-user services accessible via the cloud.
Cloud-based solutions aren’t new. Most people using computers are already using 
some cloud services, including social media, email, storage, or databases, and many 
even use cloud-based productivity tools such as those offered by Google. Now that 
Microsoft is offering a cloud-based suite as well as the traditional desktop version, 
which should you choose?
Office 365 offers a number of advantages over the installed package, as well as a few 
disadvantages. In this article we’ll take a look at both.
Getting to Know Office 2013
With Office 2013, Microsoft now offers three different versions of the suite, and users 
have the choice between different “editions,” as well. We’ve summarized them in this 
section, as well as described their look and feel to help you better understand your 
options.
Comparing Versions
The software comes in three different versions, summarized below:
• Free Web Apps. Each of the four core tools that comprise Microsoft Office 2013—
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote—is available as a free web application 
version through SkyDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage and file hosting site, which 
provides 7 GB of free storage to subscribers. These streamlined versions of the 
RELATED RESEARCH
Subscribe to our 
newsletter
Idealware's newsletter provides 
monthly insights, experience, 
and advice for non-profits you 
can't find anywhere else!
email@example.org
SUBSCRIBE
The Remote Option: Smart 
Technology for Creating 
Virtual Teams 
(https://www.idealware.org/reports/virtual-
teams/)
‹ ›
Browse Topics… Keyword Search
tools allow you to open, edit, and save documents in the cloud, much Google 
Drive’s apps (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/skydrive/compare
(http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/skydrive/compare)). In addition, a free, 
stripped-down version of Outlook is available as a web-based email client to 
replace Hotmail, which Microsoft phased out in 2013.
• Traditional Desktop. Office 2013 is available in a familiar, traditional desktop version 
that users purchase and install on their computers. Unlike previous versions, 
however, Office 2013 licenses can be installed on just one computer at a time.
• Office 365. The name Office 365 refers to a version of the suite that users purchase 
and install on their machines just like the desktop version—it still works offline 
without an internet connection—that offers additional online functionality and 
accessibility. It includes the full version of Outlook, additional online storage through 
SkyDrive, and online versions of the suite accessible through Office On Demand, 
which allow users to make use of the tools from anywhere with an internet 
connection on any device.
Look-and-Feel
In terms of look-and-feel, the traditional installed version of Office 2012 and Office 365 
are nearly identical, though those using tablets will notice a slightly different interface 
and layout optimized for touchscreens. Microsoft redesigned the application since the 
last release, Office 2010, and Windows 8 users will find its greater emphasis on blank 
space and large toolbar buttons familiar.
The controversial tool “Ribbon” first introduced in Office 2003 is still around, but users 
have the option of hiding or even disabling it. Overall, the new interface is fairly 
streamlined and uncluttered, though Office 2010 users may feel that the new priority 
given to toolbar space comes at the expense of document space.
User Editions
Users have a choice of editions of Office 2013. For the installed version, the lower-cost 
Office Home and Student includes the four core tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 
OneNote); the more-expensive Office Home and Business adds Outlook; and the most 
expensive version, Office Professional, adds Publisher and Access.
Those who choose Office 365 have the option of the Home Premium edition, which 
includes the same package as Office Professional;Office 365 University, which 
includes all seven tools; and a number of business editions ranging from small 
business to enterprise versions with varying features and prices (compare all the 
business editions at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/business/compare-all-office-365-
for-business-plans-FX104051403.aspx (http://office.microsoft.com/en-
us/business/compare-all-office-365-for-business-plans-FX104051403.aspx)). In 
addition, Office 365 gives users 20GB of Microsoft SkyDrive online storage and an 
hour of calling each month on Skype.
Licensing
The main functional difference between the installed versions of Office 2013 and Office 
365 is the licensing, or number of computers on which the suite can be installed.
The installed version provides a license for a single computer, making it more 
appropriate for an individual consumer than for use by a nonprofit with multiple staff 
members and computers. Microsoft will allow users to transfer the license to another 
computer, with a limitation of once every 90 days (exceptions are available for 
computer failure or loss). Office 365 Home Premium, however, includes licenses for up 
to five devices at any one time, including any combination of PCs running Windows 7 
or 8, most Macs, and certain Windows tablets. The product is Microsoft’s effort to meet 
the needs of households or organizations using multiple platforms—for example, an 
individual user with a desktop, laptop, and tablet. Office 365 University includes 
licenses for up to two PCs or Macs and two mobile devices, and the various business 
editions allow for differing numbers of users ranging from 25 to unlimited.
Office 365 users also get access to Office on Demand, essentially a cloud-only version 
of the full suite which lets them access an online version of the tools from any Windows 
computer whether or not the software is installed on it—as long as there’s an internet 
connection.
Upgrades
Another consideration for potential buyers to make is how each version handles the 
upgrade cycle. Office 365 users are automatically upgraded as soon as new versions 
come out, while users with the single license installed versions must buy new software 
if they want the latest upgrade. (Note that, since Microsoft staggers releases of Office 
for PC and Mac, new Office 365 subscribers on PCs will receive Office 2013 while Mac 
users will receive Office for Mac 2011 until the 2014 upgrade.)
The upside is that updates and upgrades are easier; the downside is that you lose the 
option of choosingto not upgrade. Why might you choose not to upgrade? Forced 
upgrades might mean additional training on new versions, or a learning curve for staff 
members with each new release. They can also be a daunting prospect for users who 
remember the backlash against some of Microsoft’s earlier changes, like the 2007 
introduction of the Ribbon bar, and most recently, Windows 8’s touch-centric Metro 
user interface, which is ill-suited to keyboard and mouse users.
However, Microsoft recently reintroduced the Start button in a limited fashion and 
addressed other user complaints about the new interface, giving the impression the 
company is becoming more responsive to customer feedback.
Pricing
The single-license installed version of Office 2013 is a one-time purchase cost, while 
Office 365 is priced with a subscription model—users pay annually and receive 
expiration warnings; if the subscription is allowed to end, the suite reverts to a read-
only state that lets users view existing documents but not edit them or create new 
ones. The pared-down web applications are free.
Single-license versions of Office 2013 start at $139 for the Home and Student edition. 
The Home and Business edition costs $219.99 for a single license, while Office 
Professional costs $399.99. Installed versions do not expire and can be used 
indefinitely.
An Office 365 Home Premium subscription costs $99.99 per year, can be installed on 
up to five devices, and includes the full suite of seven tools plus Office on Demand, 
20GB of SkyDrive storage, and the monthly Skype world minutes. Office 365 University 
costs $79.99 for a four-year subscription, and the business editions range from $5 to 
$20 per month depending on features and number of users.
How to Choose
Office 365’s pricing and features will likely be a great bargain for many users, but that 
may not be enough to sway everyone away from the installed version. Here are a few 
recommendations for when to choose Office 365 and when to opt for Office 2013.
• “I don’t want to pay for a subscription for something that I used to pay for once.” 
Office 365 is one of Microsoft’s early steps into the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) 
model, which is becoming more common but is still new or unfamiliar ground for 
consumers used to purchasing physical copies of software and installing it 
themselves. That’s why Microsoft offers the choice. While a single license of Office 
Professional costs four times the initial cost of Office 365 for the same suite of 
tools, it is a one-time cost, and within four years Office 365 subscribers will have 
spent the same amount. Any use you get out of it after that is a cost-saving, and if 
you don’t need to upgrade to each latest-and-greatest release, four years is a more 
than reasonable lifespan.
• “I need Office for my whole family.” It’s becoming commonplace for families to have 
multiple computers—maybe even one for each family member. This is the 
demographic at which Office 365 is clearly targeted. At $99 per year, you get a 
version of Office for five computers, and each user can save his or her personal 
settings. To do the same with Office Professional, you’d have to spend $2,000. And 
recognizing that families are often “agnostic” when it comes to operating systems, 
Office 365 works on both PCs and Macs.
• “I travel a lot and need to get work done.” In addition to working on certain Windows 
smartphones and tablets, Office 365 also allows users to access the full suite of 
tools from any computer using Office on Demand, as well as the files they store on 
the included 20 GB of SkyDrive storage space.
• “I always want to have the most up-to-date software.” Because Office 365 is 
provided as a subscription service, users automatically receive the latest updates 
and versions.
• “I’m happy with Office 2007/2010.” Office 2007 still works fine for many users’ 
needs, and Office 2010 is only three years old—for many organizations, there’s no 
good reason to upgrade to the latest version of the software.
While these scenarios can offer you a little guidance, ultimately the decision comes 
down to your particular situation, your budget, and your needs.
Office 365 marks Microsoft’s transition from software vendor to a cloud-based services 
provider. As such, the company’s marketing has heavily favored the subscription-based 
product over the more traditional single license version, leading many bloggers to 
speculate that the days of owning software rather than subscribing, or renting, are 
numbered. To those users already familiar or comfortable with the SaaS model, this 
might be a welcome change; others might feel differently.
Most users, however, will make their choice based on price and features rather than 
delivery method—and armed with this knowledge about the various options and 
editions, you’re now prepared to do the same.
Thanks to TechSoup for providing the financial support for this article, and to the 
following nonprofit technology professionals for their recommendations, advice, and 
other help:
AnnMarie Santamarina, TAHAS Technologies (http://www.tahastech.com)
Larry Velez, Sinu (http://www.sinu.com/)
Howie Berger, Chairman, Candlewood Lake Authority
(http://www.candlewoodlakeauthority.org/)
Robert Weiner, Strategic Technology Advisor (http://www.rlweiner.com)
You Might Also Like:
Comparing Microsoft Office to 
Open Source Alternatives
(https://www.idealware.org/comparing-
A Few Good Point Of Sale 
Systems
READ MORE ABOUT:
Software Evaluation (https://www.idealware.org/tag/software-evaluation/)
microsoft office (https://www.idealware.org/tag/microsoft-office/)
microsoft-office-open-source-
alternatives/)
How do open source 
productivity suites compare to 
Office 2013—and does it 
make sense for your 
organization to implement one 
alternatives/)
(https://www.idealware.org/microsoft-
office-vs-openoffice-org-
vs-libreoffice/)
Microsoft Office vs. 
OpenOffice.Org vs. 
LibreOffice
(https://www.idealware.org/microsoft-
office-vs-openoffice-org-vs-
libreoffice/)
(https://www.idealware.org/few-
good-point-sales-systems/)
From museum stores to gift 
shops, organizations with 
retail storefronts need Point Of 
Sale solutions that help 
process transactions, provide 
HELPING NONPROFITS MAKE SMART 
TECHNOLOGY DECISIONS
Tech Impact’s Idealware is the authoritative 
source for independent, thoroughly-researched 
technology resources for the social sector. Our 
publications, assessments, and training can 
save you time and money by providing 
impartial guidance that gives you the 
knowledge and confidence you need to decide 
what’s best for your organization. Learn more 
about Tech Impact.
(http://www.techimpact.org/?
__hstc=148102376.bb356c9cb4aa2e74742c94144f46dca4.1586974729462.1586974729462.1586974729462.1&__hssc=148102376.5.1586974729463&__hsfp=3283545804)
Who We Are
(https://www.idealware.org/who-we-are/)
>
Our Staff (https://www.idealware.org/our-
staff/)
>
Idealware Advisory Board
(https://www.idealware.org/board-advisors/)
>
Training Calendar
(https://www.idealware.org/training-
calendar/)
>
Sponsorship Opportunities
(https://www.idealware.org/sponsorship-
opportunities/)
>
Editorial Integrity Policy
(https://www.idealware.org/editorial-
integrity-policy/)
>
Reprinting and Quoting
(https://www.idealware.org/reprinting-
quoting/)
>
How We Review Software
(https://www.idealware.org/how-we-review-
software/)
>
Contact Us
(https://www.idealware.org/contact-us/)
>
Privacy Policy
(https://www.idealware.org/privacy-policy/)
>
LATEST INSIGHTS
Address:
417 N 8th Street, Suite 203
Philadelphia, PA 19123 USA
Free Resources You Can Use In These 
Challenging Times
(https://www.idealware.org/free-resources-
you-can-use-in-these-challenging-times/)
>
The Best of the Web, February 2020
(https://www.idealware.org/the-best-of-the-
web-february-2020/)
>
Low Cost Tools to Create YourOwn 
Infographic (https://www.idealware.org/low-
cost-tools-to-create-your-own-infographic/)
>
The Best of the Web, December 2019
(https://www.idealware.org/the-best-of-the-
web-december-2019/)
>
The Best of the Web, October 2019
(https://www.idealware.org/the-best-of-the-
web-october-2019/)
>
POPULAR TOPICS
Best of the Web 
(https://www.idealware.org/tag/best-
of-the-web/)
>
Social Media 
(https://www.idealware.org/tag/social-
media/)
>
Data 
(https://www.idealware.org/tag/data/)
>
CRM 
(https://www.idealware.org/tag/crm/)
>
A Few Good Tools 
(https://www.idealware.org/tag/a-
few-good-tools/)
>
Email 
(https://www.idealware.org/tag/email/)
>
Donor Management 
(https://www.idealware.org/tag/donor-
management/)
>
Software Selection 
(https://www.idealware.org/tag/software-
selection/)
>
Copyright © 2020 • Idealware, LLC All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy (https://www.idealware.org/privacy-policy/)
Funding For Idealware
(https://www.idealware.org/funding-for-
idealware/)
>