Microsoft wants users to forget about Office and upgrade to Microsoft 365

Microsoft has issued a call to action for users still relying on older versions of Microsoft Office: upgrade to Microsoft 365. The Redmond-based tech giant says there are plenty of benefits.

Unlike legacy versions of Microsoft Office, which are one-time purchases and do not receive updates after their lifecycle ends, Microsoft 365 operates on a subscription-based model. This means users can access the latest features and security patches, reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing functionality. Key advantages include:

• Cloud Integration: Seamless collaboration across devices and locations, allowing real-time updates and file sharing.
• Regular Updates: Subscribers benefit from continuous enhancements, including new tools, features, and stronger security measures.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Optimized for use across desktops, tablets, and mobile devices, enabling flexibility in various work environments.

However, this doesn’t always mean good things. For example, earlier this year, the Redmond-based tech giant raised the prices for all Microsoft 365 subscriptions because AI is now part of the apps. This angered many users, who claimed that they weren’t using AI (aka Copilot) at all and that there should be an option to not have it.

While there is a way to return to the old subscription price, it’s shady, and it’s a sign Microsoft is pushing it too far. Even though the company provides extensive resources, including step-by-step guides, customer support, and training materials, to make the service as attractive as possible, it’s still not entirely transparent.

It’s worth mentioning that the subscription model is particularly advantageous for organizations that foster collaboration and streamline processes. Features like Microsoft Teams, AI-driven insights, and integrated cloud storage provide businesses with tools to enhance productivity while maintaining robust security.

But if you’re using it for your personal business, then Microsoft Office should be enough. Sure, you won’t get cloud or AI, but there are ways to store and protect your files.

What do you think about this?