Microsoft Office 2016 License Price: A Look into the Past and Present

In the past, acquiring an upgrade license for Microsoft Office was a common practice. However, this option was only available to those who had a qualifying previous version of Office or a competitive suite such as Lotus SmartSuite or WordPerfect Office. This meant that users needed to have an existing installation of Office on their PC before they could purchase the upgrade.

Looking back, I remember when our family invested in an upgrade license for Office 2000 Premium at the time, which cost $350. It's interesting to note that some of the tools and applications that Microsoft still charges for are now available for free from other companies like Google, Apple, and even Microsoft itself.

The rise of cloud computing has significantly changed the way we acquire, use, and deliver software. With players like Google and Facebook becoming increasingly active in the market, the dynamics of the software industry have been challenged. Over the past five years, we've witnessed dramatic changes in the way software is developed, marketed, and sold.

Microsoft Office 2016 offers a range of plans to suit different needs. For students, there's a one-time purchase option that includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for $150. Business users can select from Basic, Standard, and Premium plans, starting at $5 per user/month.

For personal use, the Microsoft Office 365 suite is available in three varieties: Family, Personal, and Home & Student. The Personal version costs $70/year or $6.99 per month and is designed for one person. The first plan includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook for Mac, and is suitable for up to six users. It's available for a one-time purchase of $100 per year (or $10/month).

As the defacto standard for office productivity suites for nearly 25 years, Microsoft has had to adapt to changing market dynamics. While the company still dominates the industry, it's clear that the rise of cloud computing and new players in the market have forced it to rethink its pricing strategies and offerings.

Microsoft office 2016 license price