Why Is Microsoft 365 Better Than Microsoft Office 2021?
Why is Microsoft 365 better than Microsoft Office 2021? That’s an interesting question and the answer depends on your business needs. In this article we’ll cover what the features, pros and cons are of both Microsoft 365 and Office 2021.
What is Microsoft 365?
Microsoft 365 is one of the most comprehensive productivity tools that Microsoft offer. There are plans for businesses, home, schools and charities. Microsoft 365 uses a subscription plan to give users access to the apps and includes constant updates to security and programs
Microsoft 365 incorporates the recognisable apps such as Outlook, Word and Excel. The OneDrive cloud storage is 1 TB, and everything can be accessed on desktops, phones and tablets. Web-based versions of the apps mean it does not matter where you are or whether you have the apps installed; you can access what you need to easily and securely.
Microsoft 365 Pros:
- Connect anywhere at anytime
- Option to install Applications on up to 5 Devices
- No need for onsite servers
- Subscription model gives user consistent updates without needing to buy a new version
- Gives access to all apps and security features
- Ongoing technical support included with subscription
- Extra features on mobile apps
- Options to pay monthly or annually
Microsoft 365 Cons:
- Offers a lot which might not be needed by small businesses
- Requires transition to cloud-based services if using Web versions of Apps
What is Microsoft Office 2021?
Microsoft Office 2021 is a single install downloadable programme that comes in 3 flavours (Home and Student, Home and Business and Professional) and contains popular apps, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint in all three editions. Once you pay for Microsoft Office 2021 you do not need to pay any more. This does mean that although there are updates to Microsoft Office 2021, they are typically security updates not any product enhancements, a newer version will be created in the future that supersedes it, most likely Office 2024.
Microsoft Office 2021 pros:
- Technical support provided free first 60 days
- If you do not want to use cloud-based servers, this is suitable
- One-time purchase
- Access only to Classic Versions of Apps - Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Publisher depending on version purchased
Microsoft Office 2021 cons:
- Not updated with newer versions of apps
- Can only be installed on one PC or Mac
- No cloud storage included
- No ongoing technical support past 60 days
- Updates and information eventually cease as it has done for Microsoft Office 2010
- No mobile app versions
This comparison has been conducted through the lens of a small to medium business who have staff in different locations. From that perspective, the flexibility of Microsoft 365 outweighs Microsoft Office 2021. It allows for easy collaboration and keeps everyone’s data secure. We discuss this in more detail in our blog about the Benefits of Microsoft 365 for Small Businesses. A small business owner working alone might benefit more from Microsoft Office 2021. The one-time purchase might feel cheaper and safer than a subscription model. They would only be using one device and not working collaboratively with others. Their need for flexibility and range of products may be less than a larger business. Cloud-based storage can also feel like a complicated subject if the user is used to onsite servers.
So why is Microsoft 365 better than Microsoft Office 2021?
Our answer is that there are several different packages of Microsoft 365, suitable for different sized businesses. All of them include more features than the business version of Office 2021. They can include more apps/services and are allowed on more devices that can also be used on mobile devices. Perhaps the most important feature though, is the continued updates to security and product development. Speak to the team at PCR Connected for recommendations on how cloud-based technology works and which options are most suitable for your business.
