No, Microsoft Project is not free. It is now integrated into the Planner app, which includes original features from Planner, To-Do, and Microsoft Project. The basic version is available with a Microsoft 365 Business Standard or E3 (or higher) subscription. However, this basic version lacks some of the features that were originally present in Microsoft Project.
Basic Features Available with Most Microsoft 365 Subscriptions
If you have a Microsoft 365 Business Standard or higher subscription, you automatically have access to the basic features of the new Planner. These features include:
Task Management: You can create and manage tasks, set deadlines, assign tasks to team members, and track progress. This is perfect for simple projects and daily tasks.
Collaboration: The basic Planner integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, allowing you to chat, share files, and manage tasks all in one place.
Advanced Features Available with Higher Plans
For those who need more advanced project management tools, the unified Planner offers features that were previously only available in MS Project. These advanced features are available in higher subscription plans, such as Project Plan 3 and Project Plan 5:
Project Plan 3:
Task Dependencies: Manage complex projects by setting up tasks that depend on the completion of other tasks.
Visual Roadmaps: Create visual timelines to track project milestones and overall progress.
Project Baselines: Set and compare project baselines to track deviations from the original plan.
Budget Tracking: Keep an eye on project costs and manage budgets effectively.
Project Plan 5:
Resource Management: Manage resources across multiple projects and allocate them efficiently.
Portfolio Management: Oversee multiple projects at once, managing them collectively.
Customization and Integration: This plan offers more advanced options for customizing and integrating Planner with other systems, making it ideal for large-scale projects.
Alternatives that work Microsoft 365
If you are looking for an alternative to Microsoft Project aka Microsoft Planner that integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem, consider Trovve. Trovve is an AI-enhanced project management tool that works directly within Microsoft Teams.
About Trovve:
Pricing: Trovve offers plans starting at $16 per user per month (when paid annually) and $20 per user per month (when paid quarterly).
Best For: Trovve is ideal for teams seeking an AI-enhanced project management solution integrated into Microsoft Teams. It’s particularly useful for project managers, operations managers, and team leaders in industries like Construction and Technology.
Key Features:
Seamless Microsoft Teams Integration: Trovve operates entirely within Microsoft Teams, eliminating the need to switch between different applications.
Multiple Views: Offers flexible views, including list view, Kanban board, and team view, to accommodate various project management styles.
AI-Powered Efficiency: Smart task suggestions and automated workflows enhance productivity.
Full Microsoft 365 Compatibility: Trovve integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, providing a centralized workspace within MS Teams.
Collaboration Tools: Facilitates document sharing, communication, and progress tracking within a single platform.
Time-Saving Automation: AI handles task suggestions and workflow optimizations, reducing manual effort.
Benefits:
Time-Saving: Streamlines workflows by eliminating the need to toggle between multiple apps.
Error Reduction: Centralized information management reduces errors.
Productivity Boost: AI-powered insights and automation enhance team efficiency.
Easy Adoption: Teams already using Microsoft Teams will find Trovve easy to adopt.
Try Trovve on Microsoft Teams free for 7 days – no credit card required
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