The Microsoft Office suite is among the most popular productivity suites in today’s corporate realm. While there are other alternatives in the market, Microsoft’s Office Suite has remained the default option and market leader among businesses for the longest time now. Considering the reasons, it’s not hard to figure out why.
For instance, it’s affordable and boasts ease of use for both small and large-scale deployments. However, while all its products are often top-shelf, you’re going to have a bit of a hard time making up your mind between Microsoft Office 2019 and Microsoft 365. Both office suites offer great features but are distinct enough to make you confused.
Fortunately, you’re not alone, and you’re also in good company. We’ll break down the elements of each option for you so it can be easier to decide whether to buy or rent.
Renting
Office 365 is a subscription-based service from Microsoft for those looking to rent an office suite. Check out its features below
Prices
As mentioned, Office 365 is a SaaS option. This means that when you buy it, you’ll have to renew it either monthly or yearly. If you opt to rent, you can choose between Office 365 Home and Office 365 Personal. Office 365 Home’s subscription fee is $99.99 per year or $9.99 per year. Those who prefer Office 365 Personal can pay a $69.99 annual or $6.99 monthly fee.
More Features
Multiple users and Devices
One of the most attractive features of Office 365 is that you can share your subscription. With Office 365 Home, for instance, users can share their subscription with up to six other people. This makes it ideal if you own a business as they can log in to their devices using your account and enjoy the same benefits as you. On the other hand, if you only need one account, then the 365 Personal edition is a good fit for you. It comes at a lower price, and you can use it on your PC or Mac, smartphone, and tablet.
More Storage, More Skype Time
Another appealing perk of the Office 365 productivity suite is that it includes an additional terabyte of OneDrive Storage. Subscribers can also purchase an extra 1TB at the ridiculously low rate of $1.99 a month. In addition to more storage, you also get free 60-minute Skype calls that you can use for both traditional mobile calls and landlines. These perks apply to both the Home and Personal editions.
Regular Updates
One of the best bits about the Office 365 renting suite is that you’ll never have to stress about the newer versions that Microsoft brings. Microsoft continuously updates this Office Suite version with the latest features, so you don’t need to worry about upgrading. You also get access to all the apps you may need, from Word to Publisher, and Access across all your devices in real time.
Additional Benefits
As if not good enough, Microsoft also offers Office 365 suite users appealing cloud features such as real-time collaboration and AI features. For instance, you can turn data into a map, convert scribbles into texts and drawings, and even turn notes into calendars.
If maximized, such features help improve efficiency and, consequently, productivity. Additionally, you can contact support anytime a need arises without having to stress about extra charges.
Buying
Now that you’re well informed about the Office 365 renting option, what does Microsoft Office bring to the table? Read on to find out:
Office 2019 Price
The Microsoft Office 2019 edition is on-premise software. To use it, interested parties can buy Office 2019 Home and Student for $149.99 or the Home and Business edition for $249.00. Once you pay the price for either, you’ll own the software forever.
Features
One User, One Device
If you’re not interested in multiple subscriptions and only use one device, the Office 2019 edition perfectly fits you. You can use it on one device and one user account. Unfortunately, it has limited support.
Only Security updates
Unlike the Office 365 subscription-based edition, Office 2019 users receive only security updates and upgrades instead of regular feature updates. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the one hand, people who only require a basic functioning suite will find it appealing as they don’t need regular updates. On the other hand, however, it would mean spending again if Microsoft introduced a newer version of Office.
Option to Buy More Suites
The Office 2019 Home and Student option only includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, while the Home and Business version adds Outlook and OneNote. However, this is as far as it goes. The good news is that one has the option of buying additional applications. This is ideal, as you get to select only what you need in your productivity suite.
Microsoft Office & Office 365
So, should you buy the Microsoft Office 2019 productivity suite or opt for the subscription-based Office 365? Both are great options, and it all depends on your business needs.
Renting
If you have a business with more than one employee and all of them, including you, need to use the productivity suite, then renting is ideal. You can use one account across multiple devices. What’s even better is that you can do this in real-time and remotely, which creates room for collaboration on projects even during off-business hours.
Other than that, it’s continuously updated, meaning you and your employees or colleagues enjoy better functionality every day. Also, it offers the best bang for your buck. For only $99.99 a year or $9.99 a month, your employees get free Skype calls, additional storage, and access to support!
Buying
Buying is more suitable if your business or personal requirements are limited to one person. It’s also much cheaper to make a one-time purchase if all you need is Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook than to pay a regular subscription fee when you don’t need the additional features. Additionally, you need not worry about continuous employee training, as there are no feature updates.
Finally
Renting might be ideal because you get additional storage, AI, and cloud-based features. You also get better access to support, and you need not worry about upgrading when Microsoft announces Office 2022.  But if you’re a business with only a few needs, it may be advisable to stick to Office 2019 and save the extra bucks you’d have spent on the monthly or yearly subscription. But again, both Microsoft Office and Office 365 are great options, depending on your needs.
Are you still torn about which option to choose? If yes, fret not—WHIT is happy to help. Contact us today for more information on the most suitable choice for your entity.
