Microsoft today started the first phase of changing the names of its Office products to Microsoft 365, starting with personal (Personal) and family (Family) products and will soon reach all versions and editions.
“Today, we announce Microsoft 365 Personal and Family Subscriptions as the first Microsoft 365 consumer offerings. I'm pleased to be here to announce changes related to our Office 365 subscriptions for small and medium businesses – and Office 365 ProPlus . In the future, all of these products will use the Microsoft 365 brand.
This is a natural evolution. Microsoft 365 started in 2017 as a licensing package for enterprise customers – a combination of Windows, Office and Enterprise Mobility and Security (EMS). It's come a long way since then. Today, we call it “the productivity cloud of the world” and it represents our vision for the future of Microsoft productivity tools – an integrated set of applications and services that put artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge innovations to work for you.
And for SMBs, this includes new features in Microsoft Teams to help you organize meetings and events online; cloud file storage and sharing capabilities so you can collaborate from anywhere; and security and identity solutions to protect your business.
As businesses face extraordinary health and economic challenges, we are pleased to bring our small and midsize business customers and customers into this growing Microsoft family..” Jared Spataro, Corporate Vice President for Microsoft 365, concluded in a statement released today on Microsoft’s website.
New Product Names
New product names are effective April 21, 2020. This is a product name change only and there are no price or feature changes at this time.
- Office 365 Business Essentials will become the Microsoft 365 Business Basic.
- Office 365 Business Premium will become the Microsoft 365 Business Standard.
- Microsoft 365 Business will become Microsoft 365 Business Premium.
- Office 365 Business and Office 365 ProPluif only will make Microsoft Apps. Where will they use the labels “for business” and “for company” to distinguish between the two.
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The transition from Office 365 to Microsoft 365 brings with it a number of important considerations for businesses and individuals. Compatibility with different operating systems, such as PC or Mac, is one of them. Microsoft assures that core applications, such as Word and Excel, will continue to work seamlessly on both platforms.
Additionally, payment options for Microsoft 365 vary depending on the plan you choose. Options include monthly or annual subscriptions, and a one-time purchase of the Office suite may still be an option for some users. It's important to check the specific requirements of each plan and compare the cost-benefit of each option.
Microsoft 365 is accessed through Microsoft accounts, which offer a range of benefits, such as cloud storage and data synchronization. Integration with Microsoft Teams makes it easy for teams to collaborate and communicate, regardless of where users are located.
For businesses using Windows Server, transitioning to Microsoft 365 may require some adaptations. It's important to check the compatibility of your applications with Windows Server and ensure that your IT infrastructure is prepared for the change.
Microsoft also offers a variety of Microsoft 365-related products, such as Microsoft Edge, that can complement the user experience. Additionally, some online stores offer free shipping on Microsoft product purchases, which can be a plus for some customers.
In short, transitioning from Office 365 to Microsoft 365 is a natural progression that comes with a number of important benefits and considerations. By carefully reviewing the available options and choosing the plan that best fits your needs, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the features and functionality of Microsoft 365.