Project management software

Microsoft Planner

Microsoft Planner is a simplified task planner that you can use to track and manage small projects. Plans can be linked to a team, a channel or a SharePoint site. It's included in Microsoft 365.

In Planner, you can:

• create tasks and sub-tasks
• assign tasks to team members
• set due dates
• send reminders

You can view your plan as a grid, kanban board, schedule or graphical dashboard.

Planner is best for:

• small, informal projects
• agile methodology

You can use Planner to view your personal to-do list. You can also see projects (created in Microsoft Project) that have been shared with you.

Resources

• Planner help and learning (Microsoft support)

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project is an industry-standard project management desktop and web app. It has advanced features for managing resources, budgets and other project details. It offers a variety of views including Gantt charts and Microsoft Roadmap, which combines information from multiple related projects.

Please note Microsoft Project for the Web will be retired in August 2025. For more information please see this Microsoft bulletin. 

Project is best for:

• professional project managers
• more complex projects
• tracking dependencies and costs
• generating reports and charts

Available to

Microsoft Project is available as an add-on for Microsoft 365. Departments can buy add-on licenses for their project managers.

Not everyone who is involved in a project needs a license for Project. Without a license, you can use Planner to view and update the progress of projects that have been shared with you.

Microsoft Visio

Microsoft Visio is a tool for diagramming and creating vector graphics. It’s used by project managers to create schedules, roadmaps, charts and workflow diagrams.

The free web app allows you to create basic diagrams. The paid subscription adds extra features, including:

• more diagram types like Gantt charts and cross-functional flowcharts 
• a desktop app for Windows

Visio is best for:

• visual planning and reporting
• technical diagrams and flowcharts

Available to

Everyone at UVic can use the basic Visio web app. The full version is available as an add-on for Microsoft 365. Departments can buy add-on licenses.

Project management support

The project management office (PMO) offers support services to all projects in University Systems. This includes building and buying software.

We can help guide your project from initiation to completion. We’ll make sure that it meets business needs and legal requirements. Everything will be properly documented and integrated into UVic’s systems.

See IT project management to learn about the Systems project management methodology or request a consultation.