Project for the web becomes Microsoft Planner: Key Information

‘Basic’ Planner:

• Microsoft 365 Planner will still be available. This is the functionality that’s available under your existing ‘E’ licensing in Microsoft 365 and includes the ability to create basic plans aimed at simple work management for individuals or small teams.

Project for the web:

• With Project for the web, Microsoft is simplifying its work management tools by combining Microsoft To Do, Planner, and Project for the web into a single application: the new Microsoft Planner. This will be available now as ‘Premium’ plans through the Planner app or web experience, and also as part of the Planner Power App, where you can also take advantage of the extended capabilities of the CPS Accelerator for Planner.

• Roadmaps: The new experience in Planner will not support opening Roadmaps. Instead, users can use the Planner Portfolio feature to re-create their existing Roadmaps as Portfolios.
• Import .mpp files: The ability to import a plan created in Project desktop is not available in Planner but can be done through Planner (formerly Project) Power Apps/CPS Accelerator.

Here’s a recap on the licensing requirements for each product:

Basic Planner – included in:

• Included in Microsoft 365 Business Basic
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard
• Office 365 E1
• Office 365 E3
• Office 365 E5
• Microsoft 365 A1

Planner Premium plans – included in

• Planner Plan 1
• Planner and Project Plan 3
• Planner and Project Plan 5

N.B. Copilot for Planner capability requires a Microsoft 365 Copilot license.

Redirection to Planner for the web can be accessed here: https://planner.cloud.microsoft

From this point forward, all users will access project management capabilities through the new Planner experience.

If you’re already using the CPS Accelerator for Planner, there’s nothing you need to do. Your solutions are already built around Microsoft’s future roadmap.

✔ No disruption to reporting, configuration, or security

✔ You’re already aligned with the new Planner’s direction

We designed the CPS Accelerator to scale and evolve alongside Microsoft’s platform, and this transition is no exception.

Of course, if anything changes, we’ll be in touch to keep you updated!

Project Online continues to be supported and available. There’s no announcement about retirement dates, although Microsoft have announced that there will be no further feature enhancements. Full details can be found here: Project for the web and Project Online – Microsoft Support

There’s no immediate action required, but it’s worth:

• Reviewing your current Project for the web usage
• Exploring new capabilities in Planner Premium as they roll out
• Speaking with your CPS account lead to understand how you can take advantage of upcoming features
• Having a read through the official announcement from Microsoft here: Transitioning to Microsoft Planner and retiring Microsoft Project for the web | Microsoft Community Hub

We’re here to help you make the most of the Microsoft 365 project management ecosystem—now and in the future.