Buzz
Microsoft Office was born in 1988. With over 30 years of existence, it's no surprise that the software has undergone many changes. In fact, during that time, it has evolved from a single-purpose original application to a cloud-based software suite capable of supporting entire enterprises.
- Learn more: Guide on how to install Office 2010 for free
On October 13, 2020, Microsoft will enact another change to its Office product line as the company discontinues support for Office 2016 for Mac and Office 2010. If your business is still using Office 2010, this 'end-of-life' process for the software is a great opportunity to leap to Microsoft 365. You'll not only unlock many new features and applications but also safeguard your business from security vulnerabilities.
With just under 30 days remaining, you have a few alternative options as shared below. As you prepare to transition, the good news is that most options come at a reasonable price. The bad news is that each new version increasingly leans towards subscription-based products.
What will happen if you continue to use Office 2010?
If you're reluctant to bid farewell to Office 2010, you can still continue using it as long as you're comfortable with the inherent risks. Since Microsoft will no longer support the suite with security patches, you'll need a quality and reliable antivirus software.
Another hurdle you might encounter is compatibility issues with some programs and newer file formats. However, note that almost all Windows products can be exported regardless of 1-to-1 compatibility.
Should you upgrade to Office 2019?
Office 2019 comes in 3 different editions with varying price points:
- Office 2019 Home & Student: currently priced at 150 USD from Microsoft.
- Office Home & Business 2019 Digital: currently priced at 250 USD from Microsoft.
Unlike Office 365, which receives regular updates with new features, Office 2019 does not. You receive the features included in the original release version from October 2018 and nothing more. Office 2019 does not include OneNote, SharePoint Designer, or InfoPath. When the next operating system version is released, you'll need to purchase the product again if you want additional features.
- Learn more: Guide on how to install Office 2019 for free
Additionally, Office 2019 is not supported by Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. And for those running networks or installing software across multiple devices, Office 2019 can only be installed on the system drive, typically drive C. Furthermore, that location cannot be changed. Finally, you must be connected to the internet to install and use this product, unlike the 2010 version which operates offline.
So what about upgrading to Office 365?
Microsoft would be delighted if you upgraded to an Office 365 subscription. Clearly, instead of paying a sum for each standalone Office application, users will need to pay monthly or annually for a subscription package.
- Learn more: Guide on how to register for a Microsoft 365 account
Microsoft 365 offers multiple versions tailored to various user groups.
If you're a home user or student, you might like one of the following versions:
- Microsoft 365 Personal: 70 USD/year (or 6.99 USD/month).
- Microsoft 365 Family: 100 USD/year (or 9.99 USD/month).
If you need Microsoft 365 suite for business, here are the packages for you to choose from:
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic: 5 USD/user/month.
- Microsoft 365 Apps: 8.25 USD/user/month.
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard: 8.25 USD/user/month.
- Microsoft 365 Business Premium: 12.50 USD/user/month.
Note: The Business Basic version only provides free web and mobile versions, along with 4 special services including Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams. If you don't need these services, save money and opt for the free version, Office 365 Online on the web.
In addition to Business and Home editions, Microsoft also offers 4 Enterprise packages for companies and small businesses: Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, Office 365 E1, Office 365 E3, and Office 365 E5. All subscription-based, these packages provide more 'special services' than other 365 packages.
Alternative options for Office productivity suite
If Microsoft's entire product suite is too complex or too expensive for you, you may consider alternative replacements for Office such as Google's online applications, LibreOffice, FreeOffice... All are free and pose very little risk when used.
