Office Newswire: Are Office 2013 licensing terms draconian?
Posted on Wednesday, February 27th, 2013 at 12:59 am by Ty Anderson.
Marrisa Mayer at Yahoo orders all remote employees to either grab a desk at the office or lose their job. The press is mixed but generally praises this decision and calls it brave.
Microsoft tells customers to start renting Office via Office 365 or purchase a severely limited perpetual license. The press hates this decision, calls it draconian, and tells us everyone will switch to Google Docs.
You gotta love the drama that is tech journalism. I know I do. Meanwhile, I’m celebrating Office 2013 GA by taking an early Spring Break with the family. It’s good to get away. But don’t think for second I’m gone. This is the Interweb! I can be anywhere and still be here.
Office news & editorials
- Office 2013 sentenced to death by licensing :: It’s simple. The sooner you move to the cloud (Office 365), the sooner you will be in Microsoft’s good graces. Sure, you can purchase a traditional, perpetual license of Office 2013 but it isn’t as good a deal as Office 365. Read more about the licensing issues here, here, here, & here.
- Microsoft takes heat for 'draconian, obtuse’ Office 2013 license terms :: Yes they do and deservedly so. The author asks, “What does it mean?”, for the answer, see my commentary above.
- Why Microsoft’s new Office 2013 license may send users to Google Docs :: Because the tech journalists say so, that’s why.
- What are reviewers calling feature-rich, stunning, and game-changing? :: Nothing like tooting your own horn. Actually, this is what Texans call a round-up. But this round-up here isn’t of cattle, it’s of favorable news links regarding Office 2013. I make fun but full disclosure… I really like Office 2013.
Office tips, tricks & tools
- Office 2013 Tip: Manage your documents Backstage :: The backstage is perplexing to a lot of users. This is as good an explanation as I have seen.
- A guide to syncing Outlook and Google Apps :: I hope this works. I’ll try it when I return to my Office. I need it to work.
- Disabling Excel’s help system :: A really clever tip covering a scenario I never thought of.
Office developer items of note
- SharePoint provider hosted app walkthrough :: Start learning the new SharePoint app model.
- Building a SharePoint 2013 app to embed Yammer feed in SharePoint Online :: Start figuring out how to use Yammer in your SharePoint solutions.
- SharePoint 2013 Balsamiq mock up template :: If you use Balsmiq to mockup design ideas and you plan to develop with SharePoint 2013… download this template for later use.
2 Comments
I might like Office 2013 as well, but the licensing agreement turns me off before the first trial. I am the enthusiast where many local folks and small businesses seek advice. My recommendation is to hold on to what they have and start testing alternatives. Snow balls start out small, but can grow enormous rolling down a hill. Negative attitudes can surely make their way into larger business environments. Microsoft was asleep and missed the shift to touchscreen tablets and is late to the game. They really do not need to keep shooting themselves in the foot. I am a long time PC enthusiast that is growing increasing weary of Microsoft.
Hi William,
Thanks for you comments. I’m not sure I like the changes to perpetual licensing either. But, Office 365 just might win in a comparison of total cost of ownership.
The great Mary Jo Foley has the price comparison here:
https://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-office-2013-what-to-expect-on-the-pricing-front-7000009591/
Granted, Office 365 only wins if Microsoft releases major updates more than once every 3 years. The rumors, this is exactly what MSFT plans to do:
https://www.slashgear.com/microsoft-office-365-to-be-updated-every-3-months-02272210/
I know there are several Office alternatives but I don’t think they hold a candle to market leader. If all you need is basic document creation and editing tools, sure…the alternatives are more than adequate. But, if you are looking for a solid, integrated business platform, Office is the best game in town.
Just my opinion.