{"id":71056,"date":"2026-01-21T15:49:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T14:49:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/?p=71056"},"modified":"2026-01-21T15:49:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T14:49:26","slug":"microsoft-project-online-retirement-here-are-your-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/microsoft-project-online-retirement-here-are-your-options\/","title":{"rendered":"Microsoft Project Online Retirement: Here Are Your Options"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Modernize your project management now without disrupting your project operations<\/strong>: Microsoft will retire <strong>Project Online on September 30, 2026<\/strong>, marking a significant shift for organizations relying on it for <strong>Project and Portfolio Management (PPM)<\/strong>. While the date may seem distant, <strong>planning your next step now <\/strong>ensures a<strong> smoother transition<\/strong>, <strong>reduces risk<\/strong>, and opens the door to more <strong>modern, integrated PPM capabilities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-71061\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-21-Update-Microsoft-Project-Server-Illustration-hero.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1417\" height=\"437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-21-Update-Microsoft-Project-Server-Illustration-hero.png 1417w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-21-Update-Microsoft-Project-Server-Illustration-hero-500x154.png 500w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-21-Update-Microsoft-Project-Server-Illustration-hero-800x247.png 800w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-21-Update-Microsoft-Project-Server-Illustration-hero-150x46.png 150w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-21-Update-Microsoft-Project-Server-Illustration-hero-768x237.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1417px) 100vw, 1417px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Why Plan Your Transition Early?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Early movers can use the lead time before September 2026 to their advantage. Proactively planning your migration helps you to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Reassess PPM alignment with business goals:<\/strong> Evaluate how well your current Project &amp; Portfolio Management setup supports your strategic objectives, and identify gaps or inefficiencies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Improve governance and integration:<\/strong> Bring project <strong>governance, processes, and tools<\/strong> closer together. A transition gives you a chance to unify disparate systems and eliminate legacy manual workflows.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adopt modern, cloud-first solutions:<\/strong> Replace outdated, siloed structures with <strong>cloud-first, modular solutions<\/strong> that can scale and integrate across Microsoft 365. Modern tools offer better collaboration and can incorporate AI-driven features (like Microsoft 365 Copilot) that Project Online\u2019s legacy architecture couldn\u2019t support.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoid rushed migrations under pressure:<\/strong> By planning ahead, you won\u2019t be forced into a hasty, tactical migration as the deadline looms. Instead, you can execute a phased, low-risk rollout on your own timeline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Key Dates to Remember<\/h2>\n<table width=\"800\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Date<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>Event<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>October 1, 2025<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Microsoft stops selling Project Online-only licenses to new customers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>April 1, 2026<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Existing customers can no longer create new Project Online environments.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>September 30, 2026<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Project Online shuts down completely. All data and access will be lost.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Read about the Microsoft Planner Online retirement here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/microsoft-project-online-retirement\/\">https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/microsoft-project-online-retirement\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Note: Microsoft has explicitly stated that this retirement impacts <strong>only<\/strong> Project Online. Other project management tools like <strong>Project Server Subscription Edition<\/strong> (on-premises), <strong>Project Desktop<\/strong> (Microsoft\u2019s desktop application), and <strong>Microsoft Planner<\/strong> (the cloud-based planning tool) are <strong>not affected<\/strong> and will continue to be supported normally.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Your Transition Options: Common Scenarios<\/h2>\n<p>There is <strong>no one-size-fits-all replacement<\/strong> for Project Online: the best choice <strong>depends on your organization\u2019s needs<\/strong>, such as your project governance requirements, Project Management Office&#8217;s (PMO) maturity, portfolio complexity, and IT strategy. Below we outline <strong>three common migration scenarios<\/strong>, each mapped to different situations. In all cases, the <strong>goal<\/strong> is to <strong>maintain or improve your PPM capabilities<\/strong> as you <strong>move off Project Online<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<table width=\"623\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\">Scenario<\/td>\n<td width=\"416\">Description<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\">Scenario 1: Project Server (On-Premises PPM)<\/td>\n<td width=\"416\">Maintain a familiar, in-house solution with full PPM features. Ideal if you have a mature PMO and strict compliance needs.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\">Scenario 2: Planner + Teams\/Power Apps (Cloud-First)<\/td>\n<td width=\"416\">Embrace a lightweight, cloud-first approach. Best for organizations favoring simplicity, collaboration, and flexibility in Microsoft 365.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"208\">Scenario 3: Project Desktop + Power Platform (Hybrid)<\/td>\n<td width=\"416\">Combine the power of Microsoft Project Desktop with modern cloud apps. This is a hybrid path for those needing advanced scheduling plus teamwork tools.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-71057\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-21-Update-Microsoft-Project-Online-Alternatives.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-21-Update-Microsoft-Project-Online-Alternatives.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-21-Update-Microsoft-Project-Online-Alternatives-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-21-Update-Microsoft-Project-Online-Alternatives-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-21-Update-Microsoft-Project-Online-Alternatives-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2026\/01\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2026-01-21-Update-Microsoft-Project-Online-Alternatives-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Scenarios in Detail<\/h2>\n<h3>Scenario 1: Project Server Subscription Edition (On-Premises or Hosted)<\/h3>\n<p>Recommended for organizations that need <strong>full project and portfolio management (PPM) with strict data control<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Advantages<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keeps almost the same feature set and user experience as Project Online.<\/li>\n<li>Minimal change for users because Project Web App looks and works similarly.<\/li>\n<li>Runs on your own servers or private hosting, ideal for compliance, security, and data residency requirements.<\/li>\n<li>Fully supported long term as Microsoft\u2019s modern on-prem PPM platform.<\/li>\n<li>Ideal for organizations with a mature PMO, highly structured processes, or heavy customization.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>In short:<\/strong> You self-host what Project Online used to provide, with full PPM depth and maximum control.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Scenario 2: Microsoft Planner + Teams Apps or Power Apps (Cloud-First PPM)<\/h3>\n<p>Best for businesses wanting a <strong>simple, modern, cloud-based<\/strong> approach.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-59442\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/06\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-06-12-Website-Microsoft-Planner.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1700\" height=\"1003\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/06\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-06-12-Website-Microsoft-Planner.png 1700w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/06\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-06-12-Website-Microsoft-Planner-500x295.png 500w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/06\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-06-12-Website-Microsoft-Planner-800x472.png 800w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/06\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-06-12-Website-Microsoft-Planner-150x89.png 150w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/06\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-06-12-Website-Microsoft-Planner-768x453.png 768w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/06\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-06-12-Website-Microsoft-Planner-1536x906.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1700px) 100vw, 1700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Advantages<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Very easy to use, highly collaborative, works directly inside <strong>Microsoft Teams<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Planner Premium<\/strong> adds advanced capabilities, such as timelines, dependencies, Gantt views, and basic portfolio tracking.<\/li>\n<li>Can be expanded with <strong>Power Apps<\/strong>, <strong>Power Automate<\/strong>, and <strong>Power BI<\/strong> for approvals, project intake, dashboards, etc.<\/li>\n<li><strong>No servers to maintain<\/strong>, automatic <strong>updates<\/strong>, and <strong>uses your existing Microsoft 365 environment<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Ideal for teams that prefer <strong>lightweight project management<\/strong>, agile workstyles, and quick adoption.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>In short:<\/strong> Modern, flexible, cloud-first PPM that fits everyday project work and scales with the Power Platform.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Scenario 3 \u2013 Project Desktop + Teams Apps or Power Apps (Hybrid)<\/h3>\n<p>The choice for organizations that need <strong>advanced planning detail<\/strong> but still want <strong>modern collaboration<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Advantages<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Keeps the full scheduling power of <strong>Microsoft Project Desktop<\/strong> (critical path, advanced dependencies, resource leveling).<\/li>\n<li>Store project files in <strong>SharePoint or Teams<\/strong> so others can view status and updates.<\/li>\n<li>Use <strong>Power Apps, Power Automate, or Power BI<\/strong> to create shared dashboards, status reporting, or portfolio visibility.<\/li>\n<li>Good transitional option if you\u2019re not ready for full cloud PPM.<\/li>\n<li>Ideal when only some users need advanced scheduling, while others work with simpler tools like Planner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>In short:<\/strong> Power users keep Project Desktop; everyone else collaborates through Teams, SharePoint, or Power Apps.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Next Steps: Your Guided Migration Path<\/h2>\n<p>Together with our <strong>trusted PPM partner Threon, SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT<\/strong> is here to <strong>help you navigate this transition with confidence<\/strong>. This retirement is an <strong>opportunity to upgrade how your organization manages projects, portfolios, and resources<\/strong>. We offer a comprehensive approach to ensure your move is smooth and future-proof:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Assess current Project Online <strong>usage<\/strong> and <strong>dependencies<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Optimize <strong>PPM governance<\/strong> and <strong>Business processes<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Clarify target-state <strong>scenarios<\/strong> aligned with business strategy<\/li>\n<li>Define a realistic, phased transition <strong>roadmap<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Facilitate the <strong>integration<\/strong> of the updated PPM Framework<\/li>\n<li>Manage the <strong>development and implementation<\/strong> of the selected solution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-56401\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8088-.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8088-.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8088--500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8088--800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8088--150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8088--768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8088--1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/media\/2025\/03\/SCHNEIDER-IT-MANAGEMENT-2025-03-11-Graphics-Office-People-8088--2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/contact\/\">Contact SCHNEIDER IT MANAGEMENT<\/a> today to <strong>schedule a planning session for your Project Online transition<\/strong>. We\u2019ll help you choose the best path forward (whether that\u2019s on-premises, cloud, or a hybrid mix), handle the migration, and ensure your organization is ready for a successful post-Project Online era.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Modernize your project management now without disrupting your project operations: Microsoft will retire Project Online on September 30, 2026, marking a significant shift for organizations relying on it for Project and Portfolio Management (PPM). While the date may seem distant, planning your next step now ensures a smoother transition, reduces risk, and opens the door [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":33016,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[139],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-71056","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-microsoft-project"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71056","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=71056"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71056\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":71065,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71056\/revisions\/71065"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33016"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71056"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=71056"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schneider.im\/lu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=71056"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}