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Microsoft 365 Product Review : The Cloud-Based Suite

August 3, 2023 1.9K views

One of the most widely used software packages available is Microsoft Office, and office software is a necessary tool for daily work. But, in addition to Office 2016, Office 2019, and the most recent version, Office 2021, there are more Microsoft Office iterations. One such version is Microsoft Office 365, a cloud service platform that integrates cloud services, Office programs, and security and compliance capabilities. An in-depth analysis of Microsoft Office 365's capabilities, advantages, and limitations will be done in this essay.

Part 1: Microsoft Office 365: What is it?


Customers can access the most recent versions of Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook and cloud-based services like OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and Exchange Online through the Microsoft Office 365 subscription service. Customers of Office 365 can access their files and programs from any location with an internet connection, thanks to the service's cloud-based architecture. Microsoft 365 psu also provides a comprehensive set of online office products for individuals, organizations, and educational institutions.

Part 2: Comparative Analysis of Different Versions of Microsoft 365

Office 365 has been rebranded as Microsoft 365. Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based service that provides access to the most recent versions of Microsoft Office and a variety of other productivity and collaboration features. Here are the current Microsoft 365 versions:

Microsoft 365 Personal: 

This edition is meant for individuals and permits installation on a single PC or Mac, in addition to a single tablet and phone. It includes the Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Publisher apps.

Microsoft 365 Family: 

This edition of Microsoft 365 is geared for families and permits installation on up to six devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. It contains the same applications as Microsoft 365 Personal in addition to OneDrive storage and Skype minutes.

Microsoft 365 Business Basic: 

This edition of Microsoft 365 Business provides web-based versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, in addition to Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive for Business.

Microsoft 365 Business Standard: 

This edition of Microsoft 365 Business offers the same applications as Microsoft 365 Business Basic, plus desktop versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Microsoft 365 Business Premium: 

This edition contains the same applications as Microsoft 365 Business Standard in addition to enhanced security and administration capabilities.

Here's a table comparing the different versions of Microsoft 365:


Feature

Microsoft 365 Personal

Microsoft 365 Family

Microsoft 365 Business Basic

Microsoft 365 Business Standard

Microsoft 365 Business Premium

Devices per user

1 PC/Mac + 1 tablet + 1 phone

Up to 6

Web-based only

1 PC/Mac + 1 tablet + 1 phone

1 PC/Mac + 1 tablet + 1 phone

Applications included

Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher

Same as Personal, plus OneDrive and Skype minutes

Web-based Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive for Business

Same as Business Basic, plus desktop Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Same as Business Standard, plus security and management features

OneDrive storage

1 TB

1 TB per user

1 TB per user

1 TB per user

1 TB per user

Business email and calendaring



Included

Included

Included

Desktop and mobile device management





Included

Price per user per month

$6.99

$9.99

$5.00

$12.50

$20.00


Part 3: Features of Office 365

A whole range of digital office products is available through the cloud-based service platform known as Microsoft Office 365 for use by people, organizations, and educational institutions. The most recent versions of Office programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook are available to customers, along with cloud-based services like OneDrive, SharePoint, Teams, and Exchange Online.

Customers who use Microsoft 365 can access their files and programs from any location with an internet connection, thanks to the service's cloud-based architecture. Users can work together in real-time on documents and projects from anywhere, allowing for improved flexibility and cooperation. Office 365 also has a number of features and functionalities that set it apart from other Office releases, such as Office 2019 and Office 2016.

1. Microsoft Office 365 Application




MS Word: 

Using MS Word, users may create and edit papers, reports, and other written content. Spell-checking, grammar-checking, and formatting options are all included, as are a number of font sizes, colors, and styles.

MS Excel: 

Excel is a spreadsheet program that lets users manage data, do calculations, and generate graphs and charts. Together with templates for standard commercial and financial calculations, it provides a range of data analysis features, such as pivot tables, data validation, and conditional formatting.

MS PowerPoint:  

PowerPoint is a program to make and edit slideshows, presentations, and other visual aids. It provides a range of capabilities, such as animations, transitions, and multimedia support, for creating engaging and dynamic presentations.

Outlook: 

Outlook is a calendar and email tool that lets users keep track of their contacts, calendar, and emails. It has a calendar for arranging meetings and appointments and folders, rules, and filters for categorizing and organizing communications.

OneNote: 

OneNote is an electronic notepad that lets users take, arrange, and exchange notes, ideas, and other data. In addition to multimedia and interactive capabilities, it provides a number of tools for creating and organizing notes, including notebooks, sections, and pages.

Publisher: 

Publisher is a desktop publishing program that enables users to design and edit professional-grade publications like newsletters, flyers, and brochures. It provides a selection of design templates and tools for producing visually appealing and captivating publications.

Access: 

Access is a database management tool that allows users to create and manage databases, forms, and reports. It offers a variety of tools for constructing and querying databases, in addition to macro and automation capabilities.

2. Cloud Services


Hosting Services:

    Hosting Services: For storing, syncing, and sharing files and documents, use OneDrive, a cloud-based service. It provides numerous file organization and management features, including folders, versioning, and sharing.

    SharePoint:

    Teams may communicate and manage information, documents, and content using SharePoint, a web-based collaboration tool. It provides a range of website creation and management capabilities and workflow and automation support.

    Teams:

    Teams is a group communication and collaboration tool that enables teams to interact, schedule online meetings, and complete projects. It provides a range of team management and organisation capabilities and support for integration and customization.

    Exchange Online:

    Exchange Online offers consumers access to their email, calendar, and contacts from anywhere. It is a cloud-based email and calendaring service. It provides email management, organization capabilities, and support for mobile devices and custom domains.

    Power Automate:

    Power Automate is a workflow automation tool that enables users to create and control automated workflows across many services and applications. It includes various tools for automating routine tasks, including sending notifications, gathering data, and creating alerts.

    3. Features for Security and Compliance

    Azure Information Protection

    Users can preserve and categorize sensitive data with Azure Information Protection, a data protection and classification solution. It provides a range of capabilities for identifying and categorizing sensitive data and support for encryption and data loss prevention.

    Microsoft Cloud App Security

    With the help of Microsoft Cloud App Security, customers can keep an eye on and manage access to cloud services and applications. It provides a range of features for identifying and reducing security threats and support for detection and response.

    Advanced Threat Protection

    A security program called Advanced Threat Protection offers real-time defense against sophisticated threats, including malware and phishing attempts. It provides support for incident response, reporting, and tools for identifying and reducing security threats.


    In a nutshell, Microsoft 365 is a vast array of digital office solutions offering a range of features and functionalities for customers in various enterprises and industries. It is an effective tool for boosting productivity and streamlining operations thanks to its cloud-based accessibility, collaboration features, enhanced security measures, and scheduled upgrades. Office 365 provides the tools you need to succeed in the digital age, whether you're a student, professional, or business owner.


    Part 4: Follow These Instructions to Download and Set up WPS Office

    Step 1: To download the wps office, click on the link given below.

    Step 2: Choose "Free Download" from the drop-down option.



    Step 3: Installing software on your smartphone is as simple as following the on-screen directions.


    Step 4: Launch the application to start using it.


    All Microsoft 365 office version file types are compatible with WPS Office, a less-priced alternative to Microsoft Office 365. Word processing, spreadsheet management, and presentation tools are among the features and functionalities it provides comparable to those of Office 365.

    One of WPS Office's main advantages is that it is completely free, making it a desirable option for individuals looking for a reliable office suite without spending a fortune. Additionally, it has a straightforward user interface and supports multiple languages, making it available to users anywhere.

    WPS Office can be an excellent tool for increasing productivity and streamlining your workflow, whether you're a student, professional, or business owner. You can easily produce professional-quality documents, spreadsheets, and presentations because of its interoperability with Microsoft 365 office versions and its range of features and functionalities.

    Compared to Microsoft Office 365, WPS Office is a free, dependable, and user-friendly option that provides a range of features and functionalities. Visit the WPS Office website and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install WPS Office. With WPS Office, you can improve productivity and optimize your workflow without going over budget.


    Part 5: FAQs of Microsoft 365

    Q: Is there a free development tool for Microsoft Office 365 extensions?

    Indeed, free extensions development tools like Visual Studio Code, SharePoint Foundation, and Power Platform are available in Office 365.

    Q: What is Office 365's annual cost? How do you choose the appropriate subscription method?

    Depending on the version and subscription plan you choose, Microsoft 365 costs vary. Compared to the Office 365 Home plan, which costs $99.99 a year and allows up to six users and six devices, the Microsoft 365 Personal plan allows one person and one device. There are more solutions with different pricing structures, features, and functionality levels, such as Office 365 Business and Enterprise.

    While choosing a subscription type, it's critical to consider your needs and financial situation. While organizations may prefer the Business or Enterprise programs, individuals may profit from the Personal or Home programs. Consider how many users and devices you need to serve, how much security and support you need, and any additional features or services you might need.

    Q: Is there any free alternative to Office 365?

    Office 365 alternatives that are all free include Google Documents, LibreOffice, and WPS Office. These alternatives may be more cost-effective than Office 365 for those who do not need advanced capabilities like online storage or collaborative tools.

    Because it is completely free and works with all file types included in the Microsoft 365 office version, WPS Office is a particularly well-liked alternative. WPS Office has a user-friendly interface, linguistic support, word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation tools. It can be an excellent option for clients looking for a solid, affordable office suite.


    Part 6: Final Take on Microsoft 365

    A whole range of digital office products is available through the cloud-based service platform known as Microsoft Office 365 for use by people, organizations, and educational institutions. It provides office programs, cloud services, and compliance and security features. Compared to other Office versions, Microsoft 365 has many benefits, such as cloud-based access, collaborative capabilities, and greater security features.

    For customers looking for an Office 365 alternative that is cheaper, WPS Office is a fantastic choice. WPS Office is completely free and has a similar set of features and functionalities as Office 365. Your needs and budget will ultimately determine whether you should use Office 365 or a free option like WPS Office, but both are great tools for boosting productivity and streamlining your workflow.


    15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.