Microsoft has launched new details about the most recent model of its suite of workplace software program, Office 2021.
With the corporate going all-in on its Microsoft 365 subscription package deal, it appeared as if we might by no means see one other conventional Office release. But Microsoft has now confirmed it can give customers the possibility to entry the most recent variations of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the like for a one-time charge.
The Office 2021 bundle arrives on the identical day as the corporate’s new working system, Windows 11, and seems to observe the identical pricing format because the earlier version (though non-US pricing is but to be confirmed).
Here’s everything you need to know about Office 2021, from release date and availability to pricing and new features.
Cut to the chase
What is it? The newest model of Microsoft’s suite of workplace software program
When is it accessible? October 5, 2021
How a lot does it value? Office Home and Student 2021 - $149.99, Office Home and Business 2021 - $249.99 (worldwide pricing tbc)
Who is the audience? Office customers preferring one-time purchases over common subscription charges
What is it?
Office 2021 is the most recent version of Microsoft’s well-known suite of workplace software program for PC and Mac. It consists of favorites akin to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, in addition to newer choices akin to Teams.
Although competitors from Google Workspace has develop into more and more fierce, Microsoft Office continues to be broadly thought-about essentially the most highly effective bundle of productiveness instruments in the marketplace.
The new bundle goes dwell on October 5, 2021.
Pricing and availability
Microsoft Office 2021 is available in two flavors: Office Home and Student 2021 and Office Home and Business 2021.
The former is the cheaper of the 2 at $149.99 and comes with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Microsoft Teams for each PC and Mac.
Office Home and Business 2021 is available in at $249.99. Other than value, the one distinction between this package deal and the cheaper possibility is the addition of e mail service Outlook and the authorized rights to use the apps in a industrial context.
Although Microsoft is but to release worldwide pricing, it's doubtless it can observe the sample set by the earlier version, Office 2019. This would imply the Home and Student package deal costing £119.99/AU$199.99 and the Business package deal costing £249.99/AU$349.00. We will replace this information as soon as the official figures are introduced.
Both variations of the suite have to be bought on a per gadget foundation.
Features
As you may anticipate, the most recent model of Microsoft’s Office package deal comes with a variety of recent features, detailed in full right here.
Beyond efficiency enhancements throughout the board, the highlights embody assist for OpenDocument format (ODF) 1.3, new Excel capabilities, a brand new presentation recording characteristic for PowerPoint and up to date translation performance for Outlook.
At the highest of all Office apps, customers may also discover a new clever search field, which is designed to assist floor paperwork, instructions and particular parts of textual content extra simply.
Finally, all of the apps have been given a visible refresh that aligns the consumer interface with Microsoft’s new working system, Windows 11. That means rounded corners, a brand new shade palette and an up to date ribbon interface.
Office 2021 vs Microsoft 365: What’s the distinction?
The major distinction between Office 2021 and Microsoft 365 is the way in which during which prospects pay for the companies.
Microsoft 365 follows the software-as-a-service (SaaS) enterprise mannequin, whereby prospects pay an everyday subscription charge for entry to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and so on. Meanwhile, Office 2021 prospects pay a single upfront charge in change for a lifetime license.
Office 2021 has the potential to be cheaper in the long term and the apps nonetheless profit from the identical sorts of on-line collaboration features as their Microsoft 365 counterpart.
The draw back of selecting Office 2021 over Microsoft 365, nevertheless, is that the characteristic set will solely stay present for a restricted period of time (i.e. till the subsequent model is launched), whereas Microsoft 365 customers will all the time benefit from the very newest updates and features.
Further, for companies that would like to shift spending from CapEx to OpEx, Microsoft 365 is the apparent alternative.
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