We designated August as Microsoft 365 Tools Awareness Month here at KaufmanIT because we know businesses are constantly seeking ways to optimize their productivity while managing costs; harnessing more of the power within Microsoft 365 is a way to achieve these outcomes.

But another key benefit exists: by making the most of 365’s extensive app portfolio, users can unlock substantial savings by eliminating subscriptions to tools like Calendly, Lucidchart, Todoist, Trello and others.

Below are just a few of the 365 apps that can help users start saving money on outside subscriptions today.

Dump Calendly and Save

Calendly, a popular scheduling tool, is commonly used to arrange meetings and appointments without the hassle of back-and-forth emails. As we described in a recent blog post, however, Bookings with Me offers similar scheduling capabilities, allowing users to coordinate events and automate meeting requests. By leveraging this tool, users can avoid the additional subscription cost of Calendly, which may not be as comprehensive within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Visualizing Ideas with Microsoft 365

Lucidchart is a well-known diagramming tool that aids in visualizing complex ideas, processes, and systems. However, Visio in 365 provides comparable diagramming features, making it possible to create flowcharts, organizational charts, mind maps and more. This tool, particularly when used along with PowerPoint and OneNote, eliminates the need for a separate Lucidchart subscription, resulting in what can be meaningful per-user savings.

Task Management and Planning

Managing tasks efficiently is crucial for productivity. While Todoist is a simple but useful task management tool, Lists in 365 offers a user-friendly interface, seamless integration with Outlook tasks, and cross-platform accessibility. By centralizing task management within Microsoft 365, users can save on a Todoist premium subscription while maintaining easy control over their own list items.

Collaborative Project Management

Trello Premium is known for its visual project management approach and is a worthwhile tool for teams to collaborate on tasks. However, Microsoft’s Planner also creates a robust project management ecosystem that enables users to allocate tasks, set deadlines and share project-related information seamlessly (Outlook and OneNote are native apps that support robust functionality). This app, which comes with all business 365 licenses, fosters collaboration without the need for an additional Trello premium subscription.

The Financial Advantage

Subscribing to premium tools like Calendly, Lucidchart, Todoist and Trello can accumulate substantial costs over time. By leveraging Microsoft 365’s integrated suite, users not only avoid these expenses but also benefit from a cohesive, unified ecosystem that facilitates seamless communication, collaboration and organization. This all-inclusive approach can lead to substantial financial savings, making Microsoft 365 a cost-effective choice for individuals and businesses alike.

In conclusion, Microsoft 365 offers a comprehensive array of applications that extend beyond traditional office tools, allowing users to streamline their workflows and save money on premium tool subscriptions. Embrace the power of Microsoft 365 and unlock not only a world of integrated possibilities, but substantial savings, as well.