TOOLS & TRENDS

Who still uses good old Microsoft Project?

Plenty of us. But what belongs in Project, Planner or a modern team tool?

▦ Updated Nov 2026◎ Real-world use cases⚙ Practical tips
Colleagues working together around a laptopOne team. Different tools.
1

The confusion

One programme. Too many tools.

Editorial photograph of people collaborating at work“Do I need Project, Planner… or both?”
2

Different purposes

Not a replacement. A better fit.

Which does what?

Project✓ Dependencies
✓ Critical path
✓ Baselines
✓ Complex plans
Planner✓ Team tasks
✓ Collaboration
✓ Board views
✓ Premium timeline*
Jira✓ Agile backlogs
✓ Sprints
✓ Issue flow
Smartsheet✓ Gantt views
✓ Dependencies
✓ Team tracking
3

Real team scenario

One programme. Two rhythms.

Editorial photograph of people collaborating at work“Project for the full plan. A board for the daily work.”
4

Putting it together

A simple, practical approach.

Editorial photograph of people collaborating at work“See the dependency. Then assign the action.”
5

The result

Clearer plans. Happier teams.

Editorial photograph of people collaborating at work“Different tools. Same progress.”

◎ When to use which?

▦ Project
Complex dependencies

▤ Planner / Jira
Daily team delivery

↗ ServiceNow SPM
Portfolio decisions

◉ Typical journey

1Build the integrated plan2Give teams their boards3Link milestones4Track both views5Keep it current

What about your team?

Project, Planner, Jira or a bit of everything? What actually works?

Share your experience →

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Sources, licensing and important distinction

Microsoft Project Online retired on 30 September 2026; Project desktop did not. Planner Premium features depend on licensing. Photographs illustrate themes, not product endorsements. Images licensed from Pexels.

Microsoft retirement noticePlanner PremiumJiraSmartsheetServiceNow SPM