Office Software Showdown:
Office Standard vs. Office Pro Plus for Windows – A Comparison

In the realm of office software, businesses often grapple with the challenge of selecting the right version of Microsoft Office to suit their needs. Office Standard and Office Pro Plus stand out as two of the most popular options, but which one is the superior choice? In this blog post, we will meticulously compare the two versions and assist you in making the optimal decision for your company.

Feature Set: Office Standard vs. Office Pro Plus

The most apparent distinction between the two versions lies in their feature sets. Office Pro Plus typically offers an expanded range of applications compared to Office Standard. Here, we take a closer look at the specific applications and functions each version provides and how they differ from each other.

Programs	Office Standard	Office Pro Plus	Features
Microsoft Word	Included	Included	Word processing with basic features for document creation and editing.
Microsoft Excel	Included	Included	Spreadsheet with basic functions for data input, analysis, and visualization.
Microsoft PowerPoint	Included	Included	Presentation software for creating and editing professional presentations.
Microsoft Outlook	Included	Included	Email client with calendar and task management for organizing communication and schedules.
Microsoft OneNote	Included	Included	Note application for capturing, organizing, and sharing notes.
Microsoft Publisher	Included	Included	Desktop publishing tool for creating brochures, flyers, and other print materials.
Microsoft Teams (Free Version)	Included	Included	Basic team communication and collaboration (not included in all versions).
Microsoft Access		Included	Database management system for creating and managing databases.
Microsoft Skype for Business		Included	Integrated communication platform with features for online meetings and instant messaging.
Microsoft InfoPath		Included	Application for creating forms for data input.
Microsoft OneDrive for Business		Included	Cloud storage for secure storage and collaborative sharing of files. (No OneDrive subscription included)
Microsoft SharePoint		Included	Platform for collaboration and sharing files and information.
Microsoft Exchange		Included	Comprehensive email and calendar services for businesses.
Microsoft Planner		Included	Tool for organizing team projects and tasks.

The Office Pro Plus version significantly enhances the feature set, particularly in terms of team collaboration, communication, and advanced database management. The choice between Office Standard and Office Pro Plus depends on the specific requirements and priorities of your company.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Which Version is Better Suited?

Effective collaboration is indispensable in modern businesses. Office Standard provides basic features for simultaneous document editing in real-time via OneDrive. However, it has limited collaboration features, especially concerning joint projects and teamwork.

Office Pro Plus places a heightened focus on team collaboration, offering advanced features such as team sites, online meetings, and instant messaging via Skype for Business. Additionally, it provides advanced tools for effective group work and project management.

Security and Compliance: A Critical Aspect for Businesses

In today's digital landscape, security concerns and compliance adherence are of paramount importance. Office Standard features basic security functions such as encryption and protection against malware. It also fulfills basic compliance requirements, albeit with limited features.

In addition to these functions, Office Pro Plus offers advanced security features, including advanced threat protection tools and intelligent security functions. It also provides more comprehensive compliance tools that meet the requirements of stricter data protection regulations.

Cost Factor: Which Version Offers Better Value for Money?

Naturally, cost is a crucial factor in choosing a software solution. At Keys.Express, we offer activation keys in our shop for single activation, a key with 5 activations, or 50 activations. Larger quantities are available upon request.

Moreover, the yearly editions provide another price selection. For instance, we offer Office 2019 Pro Plus at a lower price than the newer Office 2021 Standard. This allows you to obtain the advanced features of Office Pro Plus at a slightly lower cost, with the trade-off being a 2-year shorter update support time from Microsoft. For the fundamental features of everyday use, Office 2019 Standard is entirely sufficient; there is no necessity to opt for the premium version of Office Pro Plus 2021.

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