Users can purchase this package using either a physical box set with the data on disks, or they can download a product key online. Office 2016: the latest classic desktop installation of the Microsoft Office suite is known as Office 2016.The only actual requirements are a connection to the internet and a free Microsoft account.

The individual applications are run in the web browser, and so work on a variety of end devices, regardless of which operating system they’re run on.

Office Online: Office Online is Microsoft’s additional licensed software versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and OneDrive in the form of web apps with a reduced range of functions.

So let’s take a look at the differences between the various software alternatives, and give you an overview of the range of functions offered by Microsoft 365 for private users and companies. Additional confusion came from other Microsoft programs, like Office Online and Office 2016, as well as the huge range of available license models. This publishing model wasn’t exactly new, but for long-term Microsoft customers, it was certainly a new experience.

This meant a big change for users: The renowned office program was no longer limited to a desktop installation – it could now be used in the cloud as what’s known as software as a service, or SaaS. Since 2011, Microsoft has offered its productivity software as a cloud-based subscription model, under the brand name Microsoft 365.

Office online vs office 365 sales