Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise: An In-depth Look at the Evolution and Subscription Details
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, previously known as Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus, has undergone numerous updates and changes since its initial introduction in 2011. This article provides an in-depth overview of the product's evolution, its subscription details, and the complexity surrounding version naming and feature sets.
What Is Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise?
Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise is a comprehensive suite of productivity apps that are part of the broader Microsoft 365 suite. Initially released in 2011, it has evolved significantly with regular updates and feature additions. Unlike its predecessors, Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise is a subscription-based service, which means it evolves over time with new additions and improvements.
The Dynamics of Subscription-Based Software
Unlike perpetual licenses, subscription-based software like Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise is always being updated. Each month, new features are added to the apps in the Office suite, and these become immediately available to subscribers. This rate of change and feature addition exceeds what users used to experience with earlier versions such as Office 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016.
The Nonsensical Question: What Year is Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus?
The question "What year is Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus?" is inherently nonsensical. Perpetual release versions like Office 2016 or Office 2019 have a fixed set of features determined at the time of release. These can be considered as snapshots in time. On the other hand, Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus is a subscription-based service that evolves and updates continuously. Therefore, it doesn't belong to a specific year; instead, it is a dynamic product with features added and removed over time.
The Complexity of Version Naming and Feature Sets
Microsoft's approach to naming different versions of Office has been a source of confusion and frustration for many users. The initial Office 365 was introduced as an email service, which later evolved to include Office apps. The naming of different versions and feature sets made it challenging to understand which product was being discussed. For instance, Office Professional Plus was a specialized version that included Business Intelligence (BI) features, which were not part of the standard ProPlus subscription.
When Office 2016 and Office 2019 were released, Microsoft continued to maintain both perpetual and subscription-based versions, which further complicated things. The subscription version, known as Office 365 ProPlus, included newer features such as the TEXTJOIN function and stock prices in Excel, which were not available in the perpetual license version until Office 2019.
Furthermore, the difficulty in understanding which version offered which features made upgrading or switching from one version to another a complex process. For instance, migrating from a perpetual license to a subscription version did not provide credit for the features present in the prior version, which could be a significant drawback for enterprises.
Microsoft Marketing and Pricing Strategies
Microsoft’s marketing strategy aimed to attract enterprise customers by introducing more expensive versions, such as Office Professional Plus, which included additional BI features. However, the complications in version naming and pricing further complicated the decision-making process for enterprises and users.
In recent years, Microsoft has relabeled the subscription version of Office apps as Microsoft 365. However, it remains challenging to determine the specific version from the product information screen in the menu. A transparent and clear indication of the version, along with a comprehensive matrix of features, would greatly assist users and enterprises in making informed decisions.
Note: If you're considering switching to a subscription-based version of Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise, it's crucial to understand the specific features and benefits of each version to ensure the best fit for your needs. Working with an IT professional or Microsoft support can also help clarify the complexities surrounding version naming and feature sets.