You might think I’m a bit biased, and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. After all, as a Microsoft partner, we receive not-for-resale copies of most Microsoft software for free (yes, that’s a pretty strong incentive). However, we are increasingly being asked by clients to help them migrate to Microsoft Teams. While we also use other software and telephony, if the functionality is the same, why spend extra money? Not to mention the labor time needed to install and maintain alternative software.

Are you already using Microsoft 365? If so, you’re likely paying for tools you don’t need outside of Teams. As you know, Teams does more than just chat and meetings — it can take over a variety of services you’re already subscribed to. This means fewer apps, lower costs, and simpler workflows.

Let’s walk through some common tools you can replace by moving to Teams, and how to make the switch.

Using Box? You Don’t Need It.

If you’re storing files in Box and already paying for Microsoft 365, you’re essentially double-dipping. Teams integrates seamlessly with OneDrive and SharePoint, so all your file sharing, editing, and collaboration can happen right alongside your chats and meetings.

Why it’s worth switching

• No more separate cloud storage bill
• Everything lives in one place
• You get Microsoft’s top-notch security

How to do it

1. Use Microsoft’s migration app to scan Box.
2. Match your users to Microsoft 365 accounts.
3. Move files to OneDrive or SharePoint.

Still Running File Servers? You Don’t Have To.

Let’s be honest — on-premises file servers are expensive to maintain. With Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, you can move everything to the cloud, free up your IT team, and say goodbye to hardware headaches.

Why it makes sense

• No more server maintenance
• Built-in file versioning and real-time editing
• Works wherever your team is

Steps to switch

1. Create Teams that match your departments.
2. Move shared files into SharePoint libraries.
3. Adjust Teams permissions to control who has access to what.

Using RingCentral? Bring Calling Into Teams.

If you’re using RingCentral for calls and Teams for chat, you’re juggling two tools — and two bills. You can bring voice calling into Teams and handle it all in one app.

What you gain

• One place for chat, meetings, and calls
• Fewer licenses to manage
• Features like voicemail, call queues, and auto-attendants

How to set it up

1. Add Teams Phone to your licenses.
2. Port your phone numbers.
3. Configure your call settings in Microsoft 365.

Not ready to drop RingCentral just yet? You can integrate it with Teams in the meantime.

Using Zoom, too? Teams Can Handle That.

If your team is using Zoom and Teams, you’re likely paying for something you don’t need. Teams has built-in video meetings — with screen sharing, breakout rooms, live captions, and recordings.

Why switch

• Save on Zoom licenses
• Schedule directly in Outlook
• Meetings live in Teams — along with chat and files

Switching is easy: Just start booking meetings in Teams instead. Everything else comes along for the ride.

Still Using Slack? Teams Chat Does the Job.

Slack is great, but if you’re using Microsoft 365, Teams chat gives you the same functionality — with deeper integration and no extra cost.

Why Teams Chat is a solid replacement

• Built into Microsoft 365
• Works with your calendar, files, and calls
• Keeps everything in one place

Tips for switching

1. Set up Teams Channels like your old Slack workspaces.
2. Move any important files into SharePoint.
3. Explore Teams apps to replace any Slack add-ons.

Other Tools You Can Replace

If you’re using Trello, Asana, or other task tools, you might not need them. Teams includes Microsoft Planner — a visual task board that integrates perfectly into each Team.

If you’re using bots like DailyBot or Standuply, you can use Power Automate instead. Power Automate + Loop components inside Teams can cover a lot of what external bots do — reminders, daily standups, simple automations — without the extra cost.

Wrap-Up: One Platform, Fewer Headaches

If you’re already using Microsoft 365, Teams can replace:

✅ Box

✅ File servers

✅ RingCentral

✅ Zoom

✅ Slack

✅ Trello

✅ Standup bots

That means less to manage, fewer invoices, and a much simpler digital workspace.

Need Help Making the Switch?

We help organizations simplify their tech stack and save money by fully utilizing what Microsoft 365 already offers. Want a migration roadmap? Let’s chat! Just drop me a line at g.*******@cg***.com.