New Microsoft Planner for M365
The New Microsoft Planner
Microsoft is making welcome significant changes to its out-of-the-box SME project management solution for Microsoft 365. A move designed to enhance the efficiency of small teams and businesses in monitoring their tasks. This development was unveiled recently during Microsoft’s Ignite event, indicating a strategic shift in the company’s approach to task management.
Unifying Task Management Tools under Microsoft Planner
Central to this overhaul is integrating Microsoft’s task management and planning tools—Microsoft To Do, Planner, and Microsoft Project for the web—into a singular, cohesive platform. Set to launch in spring 2024, this unified system, rebranded as Microsoft Planner, promises a streamlined experience for users.
Where can you expect to find the new tools?
Initially, Microsoft Planner will be accessible within the Planner app in Microsoft Teams, followed by a web version later in the year. Concurrently, the existing Tasks by Planner and To Do apps in Microsoft Teams will be simplified to “Planner.” Additionally, Microsoft Project for the Web is anticipated to adopt the Planner name in the upcoming months. Despite these changes, Microsoft assures current users will retain access to familiar features.
A Comprehensive Workspace for All Employees
The revamped Microsoft Planner aims to serve as a comprehensive workspace catering to a diverse range of employees, from information workers and frontline staff to project managers. The inclusion of AI-enhanced capabilities supports this ambition. Microsoft’s press release highlights that the new Planner experience is about task management and offering a central hub for managing workloads.
Innovative AI Integration with Copilot in Planner
A noteworthy aspect of Microsoft Planner is the integration of Copilot, an AI tool formerly known as Bing Chat. Copilot in Microsoft Planner is poised to revolutionize plan creation through text prompts, suggesting goals and new tasks dynamically as plans evolve.
Microsoft Planner vs. Existing Task Management Services
While specific details about Microsoft Planner remain sparse, and it’s unclear if any features from the existing Planner and To Do apps will be omitted, the concept is intriguing. The AI capabilities mainly set it apart from current task management services like Trello, Asana, and Airtable. Microsoft’s decision to unify its planning tools may be a strategic move to offer a more competitive edge against these established task management services.
Conclusion: A Shift in Project Management Tools
In conclusion, Microsoft’s decision to combine its planning tools under the Microsoft Planner umbrella represents a significant shift in its approach to task management. By offering a singular, AI-enhanced platform, Microsoft is streamlining the user experience and potentially reshaping the landscape of project management tools.
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