An upgrade from Office 2016 but similar with respect to licensing and updates; 64-bit version recommended.
32-bit version default deployment on-campus (64-Bit available)
Features
In addition to fully installed desktop versions of Microsoft, M365 apps also have monthly updates of new features and security updates
Access to productivity and collaboration tools, including OneDrive for Business, expanded storage for Outlook and OneDrive, and real time collaboration
Exclusive intelligent capabilities such as Ideas in Excel, Researcher in Word and advanced security features.
Always up to date
With your work or school account, you can use the free Microsoft Online apps in your web browser. The documents you create are stored in OneDrive, so you can access them from anywhere.
Offered 'as-is' except for some security updates (as needed), new features are not added
Offers standard Microsoft applications (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access)
Licensing
Can be user-based or device-based (currently testing device-based licensing)
Cloud-based Only - available via Browser or Mobile Applications
Via Campus managed License Server
Via Campus managed License Server; Some direct stand-alone licenses.
Important Notes
Using the 32-bit version may negatively impact ability to open/work with 64-bit-based documents/applications
If an individual using Office 2016 edits a document to insert a comment, an individual editing the same document using Microsoft 365 (ProPlus or online apps) may not be able to see the comment(s)
Office 2016 moves to limited support in October 2020
These users will be encouraged to move to Microsoft 365 ProPlus or Office 2019 if unable to move to O365
Users must log in with their UWaterloo credentials at least once every 30 days (requirement of user-based licensing)
If this is not feasible, it is recommended they switch to either Office 2019 or a device-based licence (contact your local IT rep or IST Service Desk for more information)
Can install Office on up to 5 mobile devices, 5 tablets, and 5 computers/laptops
Users can log into their account to see which license and apps they have access to
User must login Portal to access cloud-based applications (i.e. applications are not installed on the desktop)
Does not have online application of Microsoft Publisher or Access
Using the 32-bit version may negatively impact ability to open/work with 64-bit-based documents/applications
There may be compatibility issues with Office 2016 or Microsoft 365 when using collaboration features.
Connection to campus network required every 120 days to maintain license (unless stand-alone license provided)
Campus support for Office 2016 will end in 2020
These users will be encouraged to move to Microsoft 365 ProPlus or Office 2019 if unable to move to O365
Using this 32-bit version may impact ability to open/work with 64-bit-based documents/applications
If an individual using Office 2016 edits a document to insert a comment, an individual editing the same document using Microsoft 365 (ProPlus or online apps) may not be able to see the comment(s)
Connection to campus network required every 120 days to maintain license (unless stand-alone license provided)
Campus support for Office 2016 will end in 2020
These users will be encouraged to move to Microsoft 365 ProPlus or Office 2019 if unable to move to O365
Use Case
Academic Support departments managed by IST; Academic Support, T-Labs
Any University of Waterloo employee or student with an activated Microsoft 365 account