Choosing the right product is often challenging because there are often dozens of different options to choose from, and sometimes even multiple different versions of each. And beyond this, similar product names can make things even more confusing and overwhelming. In this article, we will focus on comparing Microsoft 365 with Office 365.
When Microsoft released Microsoft 365 back in 2017, a lot of people mistook the product for the existing Office 365. But it gets a bit more confusing because Microsoft 365 includes Office 365.
Let’s take a look at the primary differences between these two Microsoft suites.
Office 365 Explained
Office 365 is a cloud-based software suite that consists of a variety of services and apps that focus on business productivity. It includes familiar apps and services like Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, And Excel.
Additionally, the suite also includes Planner and work productivity tools like Teams. Office 365 also includes Yammer, OneDrive, Skype for Business, and SharePoint. There are also a few dynamic productivity, security, and collaboration features.
Microsoft 365 Explained
This suite is a bundle of services, including Office 365. In addition to Office 365, Microsoft 365 includes Windows 10 Enterprise, machine learning, and Enterprise Mobility and Security (EMS).
With both Microsoft 365 and Office 365, there are multiple subscription pricing plans available, and there are discounts available for long-term subscriptions.
But Then The Names Changed
Then Microsoft decided to change the official branding of the productivity suite to become just Microsoft 365. The strategy aims to provide a single productivity platform for users.
Microsoft 365 is one of the newest products from Microsoft’s cloud offering. Now, Office 365 is included in the Microsoft 365 suite, and the new product also has Windows 10 and Enterprise Mobility and Security. So instead of paying for just Office 365, you’ll get office tools and your operating system as well.
Microsoft 365 Redefined
Now that you understand Microsoft 365 vs. Office 365 before rebranding, you might be wondering more about Microsoft 365 and what it has to offer its users.
The suite includes Office 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility and Security.
While you already know what Office 365 has to offer, Windows 10 is Microsoft’s most recent operating system, and it’s been described as the safest model yet. The operating system comes with Windows Defender Antivirus and BitLocker. Moreover, you can also get the new Microsoft Edge browser and the digital assistant Cortana.
Enterprise Mobility and Security is a suite of security and mobility tools that offer layers of protection for all of your data. This suite includes tools like identity and mobile device management while also making it easier to manage personal and work devices to secure corporate data.
Now that you understand the difference between Office 365 and Microsoft 365 and how they have been rebranded under a new name, choosing the right subscription plan for your business will be much more straightforward. Keep in mind that Microsoft’s new pricing offers substantial discounts for long-term subscriptions, so it’s wise to compare the available discount options to get the most out of your subscription fees.
