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When building and operating a modern Microsoft 365-based IT environment, the tooling you choose matters — a lot. Over the years, we’ve tested, implemented, and operated dozens of tools across different projects and clients.
This is our curated list of applications that truly stood the test of time for us. Think of this as the Swiss Army knife of a modern Microsoft 365 ecosystem — covering development, operations, collaboration, governance, and productivity.
Below, you’ll find each tool with a short description and why we personally use it.
Azure DevOps
https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/products/devops
Azure DevOps is a comprehensive development platform that provides Git repositories, boards for work tracking, CI/CD pipelines, and test management in one place. It’s designed to support the full software development lifecycle in a scalable and structured way.
For us, it’s the perfect balance between simplicity and power. It’s less complex than tools like Jira but still enterprise-ready, and it integrates seamlessly with GitHub and the broader Azure ecosystem.
7pace
7pace is a time tracking solution tightly integrated with Azure DevOps, allowing teams to log work directly against tasks and projects. It provides detailed insights into time usage and project efficiency.
We use it because it fits naturally into our development workflow — no context switching, just clean and accurate time tracking where the work actually happens.
Vacation Tracker
Vacation Tracker is a leave management tool that integrates with Microsoft Teams and Slack, enabling easy tracking of employee time off. It simplifies approvals, visibility, and reporting for HR and management.
It’s a simple but powerful solution — our HR and finance teams love it, and honestly, so do we.
Microsoft Planner
https://www.microsoft.com/hu-hu/microsoft-365/planner/microsoft-planner
Microsoft Planner is a task management tool that helps teams organize, assign, and track daily work visually. It integrates natively into Microsoft 365, making it easily accessible across Teams and other apps.
We use Planner for internal task tracking because it’s lightweight, flexible, and always available within the M365 ecosystem.
Microsoft Loop
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-loop
Microsoft Loop is a collaborative workspace tool that enables teams to create dynamic, real-time documentation and content. It brings together components, pages, and workspaces into a flexible documentation experience.
For us: documentation, documentation, documentation. It’s an excellent wiki-style tool — honestly comparable to Confluence — and deeply integrated into Microsoft 365.
Desk365
Desk365 is a modern helpdesk and ticketing system built for Microsoft Teams. It enables IT support teams to manage incidents, service requests, and workflows efficiently.
We use it as our primary IT support solution. It’s simple, effective, and we’re continuously extending it with custom integrations.
Power BI
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/products/power-bi
Power BI is Microsoft’s business intelligence platform that enables data visualization, reporting, and analytics across organizations. It connects to a wide range of data sources and supports real-time insights.
There’s no question — this is our go-to BI tool. In our view, no modern company should operate without proper data insights.
Microsoft Intune
https://www.microsoft.com/hu-hu/security/business/microsoft-intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution that allows organizations to manage devices, applications, and security policies centrally. It plays a critical role in modern workplace security.
For us, it’s non-negotiable. Without centralized device management, you simply don’t have a secure IT environment.
Patch My PC
Patch My PC automates the deployment and updating of third-party applications, ensuring systems remain secure and up to date. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Intune.
We rely on it to keep our environments patched and secure — because missing updates is not an option.
Microsoft Teams
https://www.microsoft.com/hu-hu/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software
Microsoft Teams is the central collaboration hub in Microsoft 365, combining chat, meetings, file sharing, and app integrations. It enables seamless communication across distributed teams.
It’s our primary communication platform — we’ve practically replaced internal email with Teams. Also, if you haven’t yet, check out Teams Premium.
Microsoft Places
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/places/places-overview
Microsoft Places is a relatively new addition that helps organizations manage hybrid work by enabling desk booking, space management, and office presence insights.
Not many people know about it yet, but it’s a great built-in solution for managing hybrid workplaces.
EasyLife 365
https://www.easylife365.cloud/
EasyLife 365 provides governance and lifecycle management for Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive. It helps organizations keep their collaboration environment clean, structured, and compliant.
For us, this is essential. Without proper governance, M365 environments can quickly become chaotic — this tool keeps everything under control.
Microsoft 365 Copilot
Microsoft 365 Copilot is an AI-powered assistant embedded across Microsoft 365 applications. It helps users generate content, analyze data, automate tasks, and boost productivity.
Yes — this is the intelligent coworker. We actively use Copilot across multiple tools, and it significantly enhances productivity in day-to-day work.
Final thoughts
Of course, we could also mention core services like Exchange Online, SharePoint, or OneDrive — but those are already the foundation of any Microsoft 365 environment.
This list focuses on the tools that extend that foundation and make a real difference in everyday operations.
We hope this list gives you some useful ideas — and maybe helps you discover a few tools you haven’t used yet.
If you’re building or optimizing your Microsoft 365 environment, these are definitely worth considering.
