Hate subscriptions? The next Microsoft Office will be available for one-off purchase

[ UPDATE 11/10/2021 12:00:] Microsoft Office 2021 is now available in Malaysia as a one-off purchase. Pricing and details here.

===

In a post by the Microsoft exchange team, there will be a release of a new perpetual Microsoft Office in the second half of 2021. The perpetual license will be available for both Windows and Mac.

Currently, Microsoft 365 is relied on by many users—which is a subscription-based service. The cheapest subscription is Microsoft 365 Personal—which costs RM269 per year or RM27 per month.

The office apps that they offer include Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, and Skype for Business, as well as servers such as Exchange, SharePoint, and Skype for Business. However, they can cost up to RM84 per month for the Business Premium subscription.

With the new announcement of the perpetual license, you could then be allowed to purchase a Microsoft Office product once and to have it forever. However, Microsoft hasn’t shared details about the price, when it’s available, or the name of the perpetual version of Office.

Apart from forking a huge sum upfront, another possible downside to a perpetual licence would be that users will not receive immediate upgrades that are currently enjoyed by subscription users. The 2021 version will be outdated once a newer version is released. However, it is likely that Microsoft will offer a discounted “upgrade” pack like it did in the past.

So far, there’s already one option for a one-off payment solution—Office Home & Student 2019 plan, which costs RM529 per year. It’s for individual home users, but it only comes with Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

You can click here to look through the current subscription deals offered by Microsoft, including the 365 Family plan which costs RM359 per year or RM36 per month. It is currently the best deal, as you can share the plan with 5 other people.

Another alternative place to get a Microsoft Office subscription is to get it from authorised retailers from Shopee and Lazada. If you’re looking for a Microsoft 365 Family deal, a retailer on Lazada is offering it for RM189 which is RM170 cheaper than the retail price. If you plan on buying the plans online, make sure that the deals are from reputable resellers. Avoid too good to be true deals that promises to offer lifetime Office 365 at ridiculously cheap prices.

In April, Microsoft introduces the Personal and Family subscriptions in Malaysia from RM27 per month. The deal includes access to the new Family Safety app—which has the ability to control and monitor family safety via safety controls, content filters, and even location technology to track a family member’s location. 

[ SOURCE, IMAGE SOURCE ]

Related reading