Microsoft half-heartedly announces Office 2019 availability

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 been focusing more on its cloud-based offerings and pushing users to adopt the subscription model. In fact, the company has made it clear that Office 2019 will not receive any new features or updates in the future, unlike Office 365, which receives regular upgrades and enhancements.

In addition, 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 Office 2019 prices 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 launched Office 2019 as a reluctant gesture to appease those who are not ready or willing to embrace the cloud. The company has done little to market or innovate the new suite and has instead tried to steer 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 if they will eventually migrate to the cloud or switch to alternative solutions.

• Shift to subscription model – Microsoft has shifted to 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 commercial users, with consumer versions expected to be released in the «coming weeks».
• System requirements: Office 2019 has a significant system requirement, as it is compatible only with Windows 10.
• Applications included: 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 applications. Notably, there will not be a new version of OneNote for Windows users; instead, they are directed to use the existing Windows version.
• Snapshot in time: Office 2019 is described as a «snapshot in time,» meaning that while it will receive updates and security patches, it will not 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 disclosed the cost of Office 2019. However, there is an expectation that prices will increase by 10 percent compared to previous versions. The one-time purchase model for Office 2019 contrasts with the subscription fee associated with Office 365, which includes an annual fee for a PC license.
• Tradeoff: The trade-off for choosing Office 2019 is that it involves a one-time fee, giving users lifetime ownership of the applications. However, users will have to reinstall the applications 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 continued access to the latest offerings.