Comparison of Microsoft Planner vs. Jira: the Microsoft Planner alternative for ambitious companies
As an MS 365 service, Microsoft’s Planner definitely has a right to exist in the operating system developer’s ecosystem. After all, we all started small once. But even those with humble beginnings should never lose sight of their company’s vision for the future. Why the “free” MS Planner is not free after all and why Jira is a Microsoft Planner alternative for ambitious companies: We take a look at the functions, scalability and long-term advantages of Jira over Microsoft Planner.
"Microsoft Planner is a functional addition to Microsoft 365, while Jira is a core software for agile project management."
Microsoft Planner vs. Jira - add-on vs. core software?
Microsoft Planner is a tool from Microsoft that has been specially developed for collaboration in small to medium-sized teams. The software is a readily available solution, especially for Microsoft 365 users, when tasks and projects need to be visualized. As an integral part of the software portfolio, the tool is a functional addition to other Office applications such as Teams, Excel, Word and the ‘usual suspects’.
In contrast, Jira is designed as a powerful project management tool that was primarily developed for agile teams. It offers extensive customization options and is ideal for more complex projects, long beyond the field of software development. Jira supports agile frameworks such as Scrum and Kanban as well as hybrid approaches, offering a more flexible solution for teams of different sizes and tasks.
Atlassian’s Jira is a core software that supports companies in successfully completing projects. In other words: Jira is like a new car. Even in the free and small tariffs, you have the choice between a number of extras and add-ons that support your teams in their daily work. Microsoft Planner is just one of these extras that you can add on when you order a “Microsoft 365” car
User interface & usability
Microsoft Planner scores with a simple and user-friendly interface. It is easy to use and tasks can be created and organized in just a few clicks. The focus here is on a Kanban-like view in which tasks are displayed on boards. This visualization is particularly suitable for teams looking for an easy way to keep track of tasks.
As a Microsoft Planner alternative, Jira offers a more comprehensive user interface with more extensive functions, which can lead to a steeper learning curve for new users. However, the complexity is quickly compensated for by the customization options. Jira offers an indispensable platform with numerous opportunities to increase work processes, communication and productivity, especially for teams that operate agile project management.
Functions & customization options
Microsoft Planner offers the basic functions of a project management tool, such as creating and assigning tasks, setting due dates and visualizing tasks in boards. Teams can also add comments and attach documents via the Microsoft 365 environment. However, Planner lacks advanced features such as detailed workflows or automation.
As a Microsoft Planner alternative, Jira goes far beyond this and offers a wide range of functions that are invaluable for complex projects and agile teams. For example, customizable workflows meet the specific requirements of fundamentally different teams at all times. Automation rules free up resources and make repetitive tasks easier. Reporting alone is a clear plus point for Jira: comprehensive dashboards, reports and analyses are the basic building blocks for optimizing future working methods, processes and sprints. Teams receive a detailed overview of project progress and potential bottlenecks long before they arise.
Integration into the working environment of MS Planner vs. Jira
Microsoft Planner is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and can therefore of course be integrated. For example, tasks can be managed from Microsoft Teams and synchronization with Outlook and other Microsoft tools is also provided. This integration is a plus pointfor companies that already work intensively in the Microsoft world and do not want to introduce additional platforms.
As a Microsoft Planner alternative, Jira draws on a comprehensive range of integrations. In addition to the connection to Atlassian tools such as Confluence and Bitbucket, Jira is also compatible with numerous other applications. This broad selection makes Jira an extremely flexible tool for companies that want to connect their existing IT infrastructure to a powerful project management tool.
"Jira offers a flexible solution for companies that want to connect their IT infrastructure to a powerful project management tool."
Agile project management: Jira as the preferred choice for agile teams
The undeniable advantages of agile project management have already been discussed in detail in another article. For agile teams working with Scrum, Kanban or even hybrid methods, Jira is clearly ahead of the game. Specially developed functions for individualized Scrum boards, sprints, epics and reports support teams throughout the entire agile workflow and also offer detailed reporting and analysis functions that are essential for continuous improvement.
Microsoft Planner, on the other hand, is less designed for agile working methods. It only offers a simple board view that covers basic Kanban functions. Functions such as sprint planning or comprehensive reports, which are important for agile teams, are missing from Planner in the long term.
AI support: Jira with Atlassian Intelligence vs. Microsoft Planner with Copilot
Both Jira and Microsoft Planner rely on AI to offer users even more efficiency, but take very different approaches.
Microsoft 365 has “Copilot” on board, which is also embedded as an AI assistance tool in Microsoft 365 apps such as Word and PowerPoint. Copilot receives user input and processes it through grounding so that relevant information is prepared and suggested in context. This function is mainly used as a text assistant in various applications in the suite.
Atlassian Intelligence, which is specially optimized for project and task management, offers comprehensive automation within Jira: For example, the tool suggests task assignments, automatically generates Jira tickets from natural language input and creates intelligent summaries for projects and tasks. This AI supports project management and collaboration through customized, intelligent automation directly in the Jira environment.
With Altassian Rovo – the consistent further development of AI, Atlassian is going one step further. Improved search, knowledge maps, automation and chat support as well as virtual agents even extend to third-party apps and software.
Pricing: Costs for Microsoft Planner and Jira
Microsoft Planner is part of Microsoft 365, but can only be used in the basic version at no additional cost. More extensive options such as backlogs, sprints and certain customizations cost around EUR 10 per user per month. The premium package currently costs EUR 51.50 per month per user and is available as an annual subscription (as of 2024).
Jira offers a flexible pricing model that scales according to the number of users. There is even a free version for teams with up to ten users, which is attractive for small companies and start-ups. For larger teams and companies with specific requirements, Jira offers various paid options that include additional features such as advanced reports and integrations. These start at EUR 7.50 per month. The premium tariff is just EUR 13.53 per user. Atlassian thus offers a company-friendly pricing structure and at the same time impresses with better customizations and integrations.
MS Planner vs. Jira: Are we comparing apples and oranges?
Perhaps a little. In our defense: Both are fruit. We were able to establish this quite clearly:
Only with Jira will the projects of agile teams bear fruit in the long term.
As Jira can be used free of charge for up to ten users, the risks of implementation are also manageable. In fact, the early introduction of Atlassian and Jira can save money, as every change in work processes at a later date will result in at least opportunity costs.
Polygran makes switching even easier
Our team will support you with the introduction of Jira and show you how to optimally adapt this complex tool to your requirements. We are at your disposal right now to create your individual roadmap for efficient project management with Jira and Atlassian.
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