Microsoft half-announces the availability of Office 2019

Microsoft finally released Office 2019, the latest version of its productivity suite, after months of delays and lackluster promotion. The new software, which includes updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other applications, is available to Windows and Mac users as a one-time purchase or as part of an Office 365 subscription.

However, Microsoft seems to be less than enthusiastic about Office 2019, as it has focused more on its cloud-based offerings and pressured users to adopt the subscription model. In fact, the company has made it clear that Office 2019 will not receive new features or updates in the future, unlike Office 365, which receives regular improvements and enhancements.

Additionally, Microsoft has limited the availability of Office 2019 to devices running Windows 10 or the three most recent versions of macOS, excluding users of older operating systems. The company also increased prices for Office 2019 by 10% compared to Office 2016, making it less attractive to customers who prefer to own their software rather than rent it.

In short, Microsoft released Office 2019 as a reluctant gesture to appease those who aren't ready or don't want to embrace the cloud. The company has done little to market or innovate the new suite and has instead attempted to guide users toward Office 365, which offers more features, flexibility and security. It remains to be seen how many users will opt for Office 2019, or whether they will eventually migrate to the cloud or switch to alternative solutions.

• Shift to subscription model: Microsoft has shifted toward a subscription service model, exemplified by Office 365, as opposed to traditional standalone software releases. Office 2019 is described as a "one-time purchase" rather than a subscription.
• Commercial release: Office 2019 was initially made available to business users, with consumer versions expected to launch in the "coming weeks."
• System Requirements: Office 2019 has an important system requirement as it is compatible with Windows 10 only.
• Included Apps: The suite includes “classic versions” of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Windows users will also receive Publisher 2019, Access 2019, Project 2019, and Visio 2019, while Mac users will not have access to the latter apps. Notably, there won't be a new version of OneNote for Windows users; instead, they are instructed to use the existing version on Windows.
• Snapshot in time: Office 2019 is described as a “snapshot in time,” meaning that while you will receive updates and security patches, you won't get new features. The implication is that users who want the latest features should opt for Office 365, the subscription-based service.
  
• Cost considerations: The article mentions that Microsoft has not yet revealed the cost of Office 2019. However, there is an expectation that prices will increase by 10 percent compared to previous versions. Office 2019's one-time purchase model contrasts with the subscription fee associated with Office 365, which includes an annual fee for a license for one PC.
• Trade-off: The trade-off for choosing Office 2019 is that it involves a one-time fee, giving users ownership of the apps for life. However, users will need to reinstall the apps themselves if their PC has problems. In contrast, Office 365 involves a subscription fee but provides ongoing access to the latest features and updates.

In short, the release of Office 2019 marks a departure from the traditional standalone model, signaling Microsoft's focus on a subscription-based service with Office 365. Users can choose between a one-time purchase of Office 2019 with limited updates and features. or a subscription-based Office 365 for continuous access to the latest offerings.