When it comes to equipping your large or small business with Microsoft Office, the array of options can sometimes feel overwhelming. We understand that deciphering the differences between Office 365 vs Office 2016 might leave you scratching your head. 

As cloud computing experts, we’re here to demystify this debate and guide you toward an informed decision.

The Basics: Office 365 vs Office 2016

Office 2016 stands as a robust version of the Office productivity suite, encompassing familiar tools like Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 

This desktop-based solution has its merits, no doubt. 

But here’s where the plot thickens – enter Office 365 (now known as Microsoft 365), a cloud-powered subscription that offers not just Office 2016 but a suite of versatile programs. 

Before you jump into the fray, here’s a quick snapshot of what each entails, focusing primarily on Microsoft Office 365 tailored for business and enterprise:

The Two Standalone Office 2016 Options

Here, you have two standalone options to consider, each tailored to varying business needs:

1. Office Home & Business 2016: This package (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook) could be yours for $229.99, granting access on one PC or Mac. (Mac users, don’t forget to opt for Office Home & Business 2016 for Mac.)
2. Office Professional 2016: A more extensive package featuring everything in Home & Business 2016 plus Publisher and Access, available at $399.99 for one PC (regrettably, not compatible with Mac).

The standalone versions sport a nifty feature: the ability to save files to the cloud, streamlining collaboration, especially for teams strung across diverse locations.

Office 2016 Under the Office 365 Umbrella: Unveiling an Array of Possibilities

If you opt for Office 2016 within an Office 365 plan, you’ll gain access to more choices and enhanced functionalities. Embrace these baseline offerings, present across all Microsoft Office 365 plans:

• Online Office versions (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• A generous 1 TB per user for seamless file storage and sharing via OneDrive.
• A captivating presentation tool, Sway.
• A rock-solid 99 percent uptime guarantee.
• Top-tier data security measures.
• User-friendly Active Directory integration for streamlined user permissions.

If you choose to upgrade your Microsoft Office 365 subscription, you’ll get additional perks, such as:

• Full desktop Office versions (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, alongside OneNote and Publisher), extendable to up to five computers per user.
• Seamless Office access on tablets and mobile devices, compatible regardless of your device’s OS.
• Outlook, complete with a roomy 50 GB inbox space per user.
• Customizable intranet via SharePoint.
• The versatile Skype for Business instant messenger (which moonlights as a phone system).
• Corporate social networking with Yammer.
• Uphold compliance with features like Encrypted Email and Data Loss Prevention.

Making the Right Call: Key Considerations

As you debate between Office 365 vs Office 2016, let’s delve into the factors that should influence your decision:

1. Desired programs and features: Take a moment to figure out your needs. If you’re content with the basics – Word, PowerPoint, and Excel – either a standalone Office 2016 version or a modest Microsoft Office 365 plan should do the trick. If you’re leaning toward the more expansive offerings of SharePoint and the like, then Microsoft Office 365 might be the better choice.
2. Accessibility matters: Does the idea of accessing your files from multiple devices sound like a plan? If yes, lean toward Office 365. While Office 2016 offers cloud-saving, Office 365 empowers you with multiple access pathways and even allows Office installation across various machines. This also allows you to use online Office versions from virtually any internet-connected device.
3. The fluidity of movement: Thinking about future upgrades? In this scenario, Microsoft Office 365 emerges as the clear winner. Transitioning between plans within the Office 365 ecosystem is a breeze, while Office 2016 would involve a more complicated path with new licenses and installations.
4. Budget Considerations: Finances inevitably play a role. Are you ready to invest with a substantial upfront payment or is a monthly fee a better option? For a one-time cost, standalone Office 2016 is a great option, whereas Office 365 subscriptions come as a monthly investment. 
5. Security: While both Office options offer some level of security, they’re not completely bulletproof. Weak passwords are used in 81 percent of hacking data breaches. Unsure how strong your passwords are? Check out our free Password Management Guide.

Office 365 vs Office 2016: Next Steps

In a nutshell, Office 2016 offers workplace essentials, while Microsoft Office 365 offers dynamic and ever-evolving capabilities. Each has strengths and weaknesses, so make your choice armed with these insights that best resonate with your business’s needs.

At Internos, we stand ready to accompany you through this decision-making process. If you have any questions about taking your next Microsoft Office step, contact us or book a meeting. 

Embark with confidence, knowing that your Office journey will be marked by tools as resilient as your aspirations.