"Significant Discount of 77% on Microsoft Office Lifetime License, Eliminating Yet Another Regular Subscription Charge"
News Article: Comparing Microsoft Office 2021 Lifetime License and Microsoft 365 Subscription
In the realm of productivity software, two popular options stand out: Microsoft Office 2021, a one-time purchase with a lifetime license, and Microsoft 365, a subscription-based service. Let's delve into the key differences between these two offerings.
Microsoft Office 2021 (Lifetime License)
Purchasing a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 offers a one-time upfront cost with no ongoing subscription fees, classic versions of core apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and lifetime use on a single device without cloud storage. This option is ideal for users who prefer a straightforward purchase and do not require the latest features or cloud integration.
However, it's important to note that this license is limited to one device and does not include cloud storage, OneDrive integration, or access to apps such as Publisher and Access. Furthermore, while you'll receive support for security and bug fixes, feature upgrades are expected to be limited until around 2026.
Microsoft 365 (Subscription Service)
Microsoft 365, on the other hand, is subscription-based, offering a lower upfront cost but ongoing monthly or yearly fees. This service provides access to a broader suite of apps, including Publisher, Access, Teams, Power BI, and more. It also offers regular software updates adding new features and improvements, 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage, multi-device use, and collaboration tools that facilitate remote work and sharing.
However, the recurring fees can add up over time, and the service requires an internet connection for cloud features and some app functionalities. Multi-device management may be more complex or expensive for some users, and if the subscription stops, access to apps and cloud storage is lost.
Making the Right Choice
The choice between Microsoft Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 depends on your priorities. If you prefer a single purchase with no ongoing costs and can do without the latest features or cloud storage, Microsoft Office 2021 is a good choice. On the other hand, if you need the latest updates, cloud integration, multi-device use, and a richer app ecosystem, Microsoft 365 is more suitable.
It's worth mentioning that the normal price of the Microsoft Office 2021 license is $220, but it is currently available for $50, representing a 77% discount. Additional licenses are required for multiple PCs or laptops, and each install of the Microsoft Office 2021 suite is only good for a single device.
Sources like WPS Blog, iboysoft wiki, and softwarekeep.com provide insights into licensing and support differences between these two offerings.
In the context of technology advancements, it's interesting to note that alongside the traditional Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Microsoft 365 also integrates AI-driven tools like Teams and Power BI for streamlined collaboration and data analysis, respectively. Furthermore, Microsoft's commitment to space exploration can be seen in its recent implementation of satellite technologies in Microsoft 365 for low-latency communication and remote work solutions.
