Tuesday Brief: Microsoft's transition from Project for the web to Planner Premium has created confusion about features, security, and migration paths for PMOs. While the rebrand maintains core functionality, critical gaps like enterprise custom fields and granular access controls remain unresolved. Tomorrow's live session with the Project Data Suite team provides essential guidance for organizations navigating these changes and planning their project management technology strategy.
September 9, 2025
In This Issue:
Featured Article: What PMOs Need to Know About Microsoft's Project Tool Evolution
Resource: Microsoft's Public Roadmap Shows Exactly What's Coming to Planner
Live Event (9/10): Guiding Project Managers and PMO Leaders Through the Changes to Microsoft Project
PM Best Practice: Document Your Current Tool Dependencies Before Any Transition
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Featured Article: What PMOs Need to Know About Microsoft's Project Tool Evolution
Struggling to understand what Microsoft's transition from Project for the Web to Planner Premium means for your organization? Microsoft MVP Erik van Hurck recently shared critical insights about this evolution and its impact on PMOs.
Discover why Project for the web didn't actually disappear (it just got rebranded), what's changing with portfolio management, and which enterprise features are still missing. Plus, learn about the security improvements coming soon that could solve one of the biggest barriers to adoption.
Erik's assessment reveals surprising adoption statistics and explains Microsoft's strategic shift toward collaborative project management. Find out what this means for organizations still relying on advanced Project Online features.
Essential reading for any PMO planning their Microsoft project management strategy.
Microsoft's Public Roadmap Shows What's Coming to Planner
Did you know? Microsoft maintains a public roadmap at where you can filter specifically for Planner updates, and any other products you're interested in.
Currently in development: smart backgrounds for basic plans, enhanced security features, and expanded government cloud support. The roadmap also shows recently launched features, giving insight into Microsoft's development priorities and timeline expectations.
Come to tomorrow's live session with specific questions about features you see on the roadmap - our experts can provide context on how these developments might impact your organization.
Live Event (9/10): Guiding Project Managers and PMO Leaders Through the Changes to Microsoft Project
Microsoft continues to evolve the Planner and Project ecosystem, bringing changes that affect every organization using Microsoft 365 for collaboration and project management. These updates create both opportunities and challenges that Project Managers and PMO leaders must navigate strategically.
Join the Project Data Suite team as they break down the latest updates to Microsoft Planner and Project, explain their impact on your organization, and share practical guidance on how to prepare for what's next. Expect a clear, actionable discussion about Microsoft's roadmap, the upcoming changes, and how to successfully adapt your practices and technology stack.
What You'll Learn:
Understand Microsoft's evolving direction for project management tools and how it affects current Microsoft Project and Project Online users
Identify immediate and long-term impacts these changes may have on PMOs, project managers, and organizational portfolios
Evaluate practical options and strategies for adapting project management practices and technology stacks
Prepare clear next steps to ensure a smooth transition aligned with Microsoft's roadmap
๐๏ธ Wednesday, September 10 ๐ 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDTโ ๐ Live on Zoom ๐ 1 PMI PDU: Ways of Working
If your teams rely on Microsoft Project or Project Online today, this is a session you won't want to miss.
MPUG host live events with leading experts on Wednesdays from 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET! MPUG members get access to live events where you get direct access to industry leaders, actionable insights, hands-on training, and opportunities to earn PDU's.
Learn more and register for upcoming events:
9/10: Guiding Project Managers and PMO Leaders Through the Changes to Microsoft Project | Learn More / Register Hereโ
9/17: Crashing the CPM Schedule in MS Project: Back to Basics Ways of Working | Learn More / Register Hereโ
PM Best Practice: Document Your Current Tool Dependencies Before Any Transition
When facing any project management tool transition, create a comprehensive inventory of your current dependencies before making decisions. List not just the obvious features you use daily, but also the integrations, custom fields, reports, and workflows that might not be immediately apparent. Include stakeholder access patterns, data export requirements, and any automated processes that rely on your current system. A 30-minute documentation exercise now can save weeks of complications later.
