Maps for Excel Login

[TerryCox]

I created a trial account, installed the Maps for Excel plugin, but when I try to sign in from Excel it says "Login failed due to incorrect username and/or password".  Is there a waiting period or something?  I know I'm typing it in correct, and updated my password in my online account just to be safe.

[EricBowman]

Indeed I have the same problem...I can't understand which is the difference and what can I do for change this. Can you help me?What is an ORGANIZATION account? I can't understand by reading the help pages..

Hi Elisa - there are two accounts you can have with arcgis online.  Public accounts which are free and can create, share web maps and some types of data. These have 2gb limit. The organization/subscription account can use cloud-based geocoding, create feature and tiled map services (this requires arcgis server) in the cloud and transfers of data into/out of the cloud. If you already have a public account, you cannot use this account for an organization/subscription. I have two accounts - one public and one for my organization.  Hope this clarifies this a bit. Eric

[BrianHovis]

Thanks again Katy.  I wonder whether the need for an ArcGis Online organizational subscription is well understood.  I know that I missed the difference.  Because I have access to ArcGis Online through my personal account, I assumed that I was an ArcGis Online subscriber and would have access to Esri Maps for Office.  The recent article in "ArcNews" on page 22 about Esri Maps for Office said that, "All that's needed to get started using Esri Maps for Office is an ArcGIS Online paid or trial subscription." 

I am not quite sure about my relationship with ArcGis Online, but will try to understand the distinction.  I just wonder if it might be confusing to others out there.  Thanks again for your answer.

Hello Katy:  I noticed in the Winter 2013/2014 version of ArcNews that an article said that all ArcGis for Desktop users had a free ArcGis Online subscription, which allowed me to use Esri Maps for Office.  I was able to download the program, but not use it by signing in through Excel, where I was told that I must have an ArcGIS Online subscription.  Have I misunderstood again?