Microsoft released the next version of their Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office 2013…no wait that’s Microsoft Office 365.

After the announcement and the coverage by the Wall Street Journal, I have had more than one conversation with Microsoft Office 365 customers to explain to them that this release is not “your Office 365”.

I would love to understand the logic that is behind the confusion Microsoft created. Why not use the same product name and allow for different licensing plans (subscription or perpetual)? Or if that does not fly then please do not name it the same thing as an existing popular product.

Here are the options for purchasing the new Microsoft Office:

Office for a single install: Office Home & Student 2013 ($139.99), Office Home & Business 2013 ($219.99), and Office Professional 2013 ($399.99)

Office 365 Home Premium: For 5 PCs or Macs plus “select devices”: $99.99 per year or $9.99 per month (I think Microsoft wants you to buy this one.)

Another interesting item to note, is that Office 365 subscription allows for multiple installations on “select devices”. I am interested to see when Office for IOS/Android will get released since this purchasing approach would avoid the App Store and Google Play fees.

Tags: microsoft, Office, Office365