Microsoft is urging users of Office 2016 and 2019 to transition to Microsoft 365 before support ends on October 14, warning about the security risks of unsupported software. Microsoft 365, a subscription-based cloud service, offers AI tools and collaborative features that are absent in standalone versions like Office 2024, which users can purchase for $149. Analysts suggest that while Microsoft 365 provides significant benefits, alternatives like desktop Office or open-source options may appeal to customers prioritizing data privacy or cost efficiency.
"Continuing to use unsupported software can expose your organization to security vulnerabilities, compliance risks, and operational disruptions," the company warned in a blog post.
Analysts said enterprise customers might find upgrading to Microsoft 365 worthwhile for its generative AI (genAI) tools, collaborative features and security.
For enterprise customers worried about data privacy in the cloud, the desktop edition of Office or free open-source alternatives such as LibreOffice might be more attractive.
Microsoft wants to move customers to Microsoft 365 subscription services, said Jason Wong, vice president at Gartner for app design and development.
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