Beyond the Cloud: When Buying Microsoft Office Outright Makes Sense

In today’s subscription-centric world, it’s easy to assume that Microsoft Office is only available through a Microsoft 365 subscription. For small and midsize businesses (SMBs), the perpetual monthly fees and ever-changing software landscape can feel like a forced march into the cloud. But what if that path isn’t your only option? What if you could still buy Office outright?

The good news is, you can. Microsoft still offers perpetual licensing options that, while less publicized, can offer substantial cost savings and operational simplicity for the right type of business.

The Subscription Standard—And Its Hidden Costs

Microsoft 365 has become the default delivery method for Office, offering regular updates, cloud integration, and access to collaboration tools like Teams and OneDrive. But for small businesses that don’t need those extras, the costs add up. Paying $9.99 or more per user per month can become a financial burden over time, especially when software needs remain stable for years.

For businesses with limited IT budgets or fixed workflows, the value proposition of the subscription model starts to diminish.

What Is Perpetual Licensing?

Perpetual licenses allow businesses to purchase Microsoft Office with a one-time payment. This includes versions like Office Home & Business and Office LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) 2024. These licenses don’t expire and don’t require cloud access to function, making them ideal for environments where predictability and control matter more than having the latest feature updates.

Home & Business editions include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. LTSC versions add enterprise-level apps like Access and Visio and are better suited for larger or more complex setups.

Office LTSC 2024—Enterprise-Grade Without the Cloud

Office LTSC 2024 is Microsoft’s answer for organizations that need long-term, stable software without being tethered to the cloud. It offers five years of mainstream support and skips the constant feature updates that come with Microsoft 365. It installs via a full MSI (not the Click-to-Run method), meaning it doesn’t need to connect to the internet to operate.

While Microsoft frames LTSC as a solution for specialized use cases—like air-gapped systems or regulated environments—it’s a viable everyday solution for small teams that prioritize stability and ownership.

When Perpetual Licensing Makes Financial Sense

Let’s talk numbers. A single Office Home & Business license might cost around $250. Compare that to $9.99/month for Microsoft 365—you hit your break-even point in just over two years. If you keep that license active on a machine for five years (or even transfer it to a new device), you’re looking at substantial cost savings.

For organizations that don’t replace hardware frequently or that manage installations manually, perpetual licenses offer real, long-term savings.

The Trade-Offs—What You Give Up

Going with standalone Office versions means missing out on some of the bells and whistles of Microsoft 365:

• No cloud storage or Teams integration
• No automatic feature updates
• No built-in asset tracking or user analytics
• Manual installation and key management

But for many businesses, these are acceptable trade-offs in exchange for cost savings and operational simplicity.

Who Should Consider Perpetual Office Licenses?

Perpetual licenses are a strong fit for:

• SMBs with 3 to 500 users
• Organizations with air-gapped or secure systems
• Businesses with predictable, long-term software needs
• Teams with minimal need for real-time collaboration tools

Even larger organizations that don’t heavily rely on cloud services can benefit, especially if they’re looking to reduce overhead and maintain greater control over their IT environment.

How to Get Started

Buying Office outright is simpler than you might think. Products can be sourced directly through Microsoft resellers like Prescriptive. Just make sure you understand the distinctions:

• Home & Business is best for individual installs and smaller teams. This option can be purchased from big box providers.
• LTSC Standard or Professional Plus, which can be purchased through Prescriptive, is suitable for larger or more regulated environments.
• Installers come in MSI (full/offline) format.

Tracking license keys manually might seem old-school, but the payoff in cost savings is worth the extra diligence.

Don’t Let the Cloud Crowd Out Better Options

Software vendors' push to the cloud has, in this case, overshadowed a quieter, often smarter alternative. For many businesses, perpetual Office licensing can be a better fit—financially and operationally.

The tools are still available. The savings are real. And the choice is still yours.

If you're unsure which path is right for your business, consult with a knowledgeable IT advisor like Prescriptive to explore your options. A little strategy now could save you thousands over the life of your software.