Office 2016 vs 365: Which Is Best For My Business?
Want to compare Office 2016 vs 365? When it comes to choosing the ideal Microsoft Office suite for your business, the team here at Merit Technologies knows just how overwhelming the options can be.
In a landscape filled with choices, particularly between Office 365 (now better known as Microsoft 365) and Office 2016, we recognize the importance of gaining a clear understanding of the differences.
Lucky for you, we’re a Microsoft 365 support partner, and we’re thrilled to simplify this decision-making process into easily digestible insights.
So, let’s dive right in!
Office 2016 vs 365: Key Distinctions
Office 2016 stands as a version of the Office productivity suite, primarily accessible through your desktop. On the other hand, Office 365 takes a cloud-based subscription approach, bundling Office 2016 with a comprehensive array of other software.
Within Office 365, you have the flexibility to opt for a standalone Office 2016 product or incorporate it within your Office 365 subscription.
For those considering a standalone Office 2016 solution, two versions are available for businesses:
- Office Home & Business 2016: This package encompasses Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook. It’s priced at $229.99 for 1 PC (or Mac: Mac users should select Office Home & Business 2016 for Mac).
- Office Professional 2016: Beyond Home & Business, this version offers Publisher and Access, available for $399.99 for 1 PC (please note it’s not compatible with Mac).
Standalone Office 2016 or an Office 365 Plan?
Opting for standalone Office 2016 versions grants you the ability to save files to the cloud, fostering seamless collaboration, particularly for teams working across different locations.
On the other hand, integrating Office 2016 within a Microsoft (Office) 365 plan unlocks a multitude of tailored benefits and features designed to cater to your unique requirements. All Microsoft 365 plans provide online editions of Office apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), a generous 1 TB per user of file storage and sharing through OneDrive, a robust 99 percent uptime guarantee, top-tier data security measures and seamless Active Directory integration for streamlined user permissions.
As you progress through the Microsoft 365 plans, a wealth of additional features becomes accessible. These include full desktop versions of Office apps across up to five computers per user, Office compatibility with tablet and mobile devices (regardless of the operating system), Outlook complete with 50 GB of inbox space per user, customizable intranet capabilities through SharePoint, a versatile corporate social networking platform via Yammer and Compliance Protection featuring Encrypted Email and Data Loss Prevention. Not to mention Skype for Business instant messaging, which is also viable as your phone system.
Narrowing Down the Ideal Choice for Your Business
To steer your decision, consider the following factors:
- Desired programs and features: Assess your needs and priorities. If fundamental Office applications such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel suffice, either a standalone Office 2016 version or a lower-tier Microsoft 365 plan should suffice. However, if advanced features or access to programs like SharePoint are a “must,” Microsoft 365 might be the better choice. Keep in mind that Micorsoft 365’s subscription model grants access to new features as they debut, ensuring a continuous stream of updates and enhancements.
- Accessibility: If the ability to access your data across multiple devices is pivotal for your workflow, Microsoft 365 is the preferred option. While Office 2016 allows cloud file saving, 365 offers a broader spectrum of access options and permits installations across multiple machines. Moreover, online versions of Office apps can be accessed from any device connected to the internet, boosting your productivity and flexibility.
- Ease of plan migration: Think about potential plan upgrades. With Office 2016 functioning as standalone software, upgrading and incorporating new features entails purchasing and installing fresh licenses for all users. In contrast, Microsoft 365 users enjoy the convenience of seamless plan transitions via the admin center, affording scalability and adaptability in response to evolving business demands.
- Financial considerations: Evaluate your budget and payment preferences. Office 2016 represents a one-time cost per user, necessitating a larger upfront investment. Post the initial payment, no further monthly charges apply. Conversely, Microsoft 365 adopts a subscription model, which means no upfront expense, yet you’ll commit to a fixed monthly fee per user. If steering clear of significant initial investments resonates with you or if continuous updates and feature access align with your goals, Microsoft 365 is the more fitting choice.
Office 2016 vs 365? Simplifying Your Choices
At Merit Technologies, we stand ready to bolster your business growth and help you navigate the nuanced terrain of the Office 2016 vs 365 debate. Whether you’re prepared to embrace the transition to Microsoft 365 or wish to explore other ways we can augment your business operations, like through our IT consulting and strategy services, our doors are open. Contact us or book a meeting with our team of experts.
And, even if you’re on the fence about partnering with us, we have a free info-packed IT Services Buyer’s Guide to help you with your search.
We’re steadfast in our commitment to providing precise guidance, ensuring your triumphant journey into the cloud. Let’s embark on this voyage of discovery together!
