Detractors of Microsoft 365 often pointed to the fact that a subscription is needed to partake in the platform. Many are not crazy about a subscription-based program, and so the latest news from Microsoft is welcome – a new consumer version of Microsoft Office is coming out on October 5 – subscription-free. The new Microsoft Office requires a one-time purchase only. The news of the aptly named Office 2021 was announced last week, and its arrival coincides with that of Windows 11.
The company has not revealed many details, including how much that one-time fee will be. It has provided a document outlining all of the new features in the Microsoft Office Suite. Some of the new features include a new translation function, an updated draw tab, and overall improved performance throughout all of the apps.
This product offers a additional alternative to the cloud-based version of Microsoft Office, now known as Microsoft 365. For end-users, Microsoft charges a nominal fee of $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year to access the service. While this may not seem pricey, over time and with multiple licenses, a subscription can begin to seem expensive.
Until now, those looking for a better value over the long term could opt for Office 2019, which only involves a one-time $149.99 fee. However, Microsoft has not chosen to upgrade the software with new features, except in the case of security updates and bug fixes. Over the last year, Microsoft has clearly favored Microsoft 365 over their legacy Office programs, causing many to wonder if the latter were at the end of their life cycle. This announcement of Office 2021 as a successor to Office 2019 shows that the company is not yet done with the model. Earlier this year, Microsoft confirmed that they would provide a new version in the second half of 2021, a promise fulfilled by this announcement.
Those looking for more information on the available options should call Alliance IT today. We can explain the differences between subscription and non-subscription offerings, and discuss which plan is right for you. Whether considering cloud-based PC offerings or more traditional user options, we are here to help.
Alliance IT provides comprehensive managed services and IT outsourcing to SMBs in the Saraosta marketplace.
