The newly named subscription version, Microsoft 365, which used to be called Office 365 starts at $70 per year for one user or $100 per year for up to 6 users ( ). The downside to cloud-based software is that you typically end up renting it instead of buying it, so it becomes an on-going annual expense for as long as you want to use it. Once you convert to cloud-based software, you are no longer beholden to a specific computer, so you can use it from any internet-connected computer in the world. You no longer have to worry about installing updates and the associated data is backed up for you. The software industry has been pushing its customers toward software that lives in the cloud, because it provides a lot of benefits for both the developers and their customers. Today, not only has Microsoft changed the way you can buy the program, they also added new names for the product. In the past, your only option was to buy the program on discs and install them to your computer’s hard drive. Question: I bought a new laptop and it didn’t come with Microsoft Office, so I’m trying to figure out the best place to buy it. Why does the price vary so much?Īnswer: When it comes to productivity software, Microsoft Office is the de facto standard, but the common misconception is that it’s part of Microsoft Windows, which it’s not.
