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Buy Microsoft 365 without a subscription - we show you how
Microsoft Office has been the standard for office applications for decades and is used by millions of users every day. In the age of cloud solutions and subscription models, Microsoft also offers an Office subscription model called Microsoft 365. But what is the difference between a permanent licence and the subscription model? And is it possible to buy Microsoft 365 without a subscription?
Can you buy Microsoft 365 without a subscription?
Probably the most significant difference between the Microsoft subscription version and the perpetual licence is the name: the subscription version is called Microsoft 365, while the purchase version is called Office, followed by the respective version number. The latest purchase version is Office 2024, so the answer to the frequently asked question of whether Microsoft 365 can be purchased once is clearly ‘no’. Users can only buy the on-premise version Office 2024 once and thus bypass the Microsoft 365 subscription model.
What is the difference between Microsoft 365 and Office 2021?
While the subscription version incurs a monthly or annual fee, the purchase version only requires a one-off payment. With a monthly payment, users benefit from greater flexibility, as the offer can be cancelled at short notice. It should be noted that the cumulative price for the subscription version may be higher over time.
For a long time, the traditional licence model based on a one-off payment was the only option. The subscription model is therefore comparatively new and not ideal for all companies. Many are therefore reluctant to use the subscription model and are considering other providers whose products do not offer fully-fledged alternatives due to their limited range of functions and incompatibility with third-party systems. While Microsoft's subscription model is user-based and can therefore only be used by one person, the on-premise licence is device-based. The software is therefore only installed on one device and does not differentiate between different users.
Office has a wide range of programmes. When deciding on one of the two models, you should consider which programmes you really need. With the subscription version, users have access to all programmes, while with the licence version it depends on the edition. The ‘Home’ and ‘Business’ editions include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and therefore the most important solutions for everyday office work.
While Office 2024 is used on-premise, Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based application. The subscription model gives users access to the OneDrive cloud storage.
Buy Microsoft Office once without restrictions
Although Microsoft 365 offers extensive options and updates, the permanent licence for Microsoft Office pays off in the long term. However, the US company charges a high price for the software as a new purchase, which is particularly relevant for larger licence volumes. For companies, it makes sense to purchase a used Microsoft Office licence. This allows them to use the programme suite at greatly reduced prices, and completely legally.
Buyers do not suffer any disadvantages. After all, software is not a commodity that wears out over time. It is always in mint condition and is no different from newly purchased licences.
At Soft & Cloud, you only receive audit-proof original licences from Microsoft - up to 70% cheaper. With our broad product portfolio and high availability, we can cover all your needs and find the right product for you.
Used software costs you little. Asking costs you nothing.
Contact us.