Spotlight
PAGE: https://alison.com/course/master-microsoft-365-essential-skills-and-beyond
PROMISE: Learn to use M365 deeply so the switch to open-source tools is a smart choice, not a gamble.
WHO: Teams planning to leave M365 who need to know what they are replacing
WHYNOW: You are in the middle of a migration and need to define the gaps before you commit to open-source
DESC: Master Microsoft 365! Elevate your skills by learning the Essentials and Advanced Collaboration Techniques in this course!
BEFORE: You are unsure what features you will lose when leaving M365
BEFORE: You are guessing which open-source tools are enough
BEFORE: You are worried about security drops during the switch
AFTER: You have a clear list of M365 features to check in open-source
AFTER: You can match open-source tools to your specific workflow needs
AFTER: You set your new environment to a known security baseline
GAIN: A clear comparison of M365 document tools to guide open-source selection
GAIN: A strategy for maintaining collaboration features in open-source
GAIN: A security baseline from M365 to apply to your new setup
STEP: You try to map Word features to LibreOffice and get lost in advanced settings || Compare document creation tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint || You know exactly which M365 capabilities you are giving up and what open-source equivalents must cover
STEP: You worry that switching to open-source will break your current team collaboration workflow || Identify advanced features for effective collaboration || You can design a specific open-source collaboration plan that matches your current M365 usage
STEP: You are not sure how to migrate your data securely when moving away from Microsoft || Analyze privacy and security measures in Office 365 || You understand the baseline security level you are leaving so you can ensure your new setup is not weaker
NOTFOR: If you need hands-on training in LibreOffice or GIMP
NOTFOR: If you want to skip the M365 learning step and go straight to open-source
FACT: Average duration: 5-6 Hours (Contains Video)
FACT: CPD-accredited certificate available
FACT: Beginner level
COVERS: Analyze privacy and security measures in Office 365
COVERS: Compare document creation tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
COVERS: Identify advanced features for effective collaboration
COVERS: Evaluate workflow optimization techniques with Flow and Yammer
COVERS: Discuss dynamic presentations using Sway and other advanced tools
COVERS: Recognize the importance of internet connectivity for advanced features
COVERS: Categorize applications and tools in Dynamics 365 for enhanced productivity
COVERS: Relate efficient survey and quiz creation using Microsoft Forms
COVERS: Evaluate data governance practices within Office 365, exploring strategies for data protection and compliance
COVERS: Summarize collaboration strategies with external groups in Yammer
COVERS: Explain admin panel intricacies and document-sharing strategies
COVERS: Compare communication tools in Office 365, such as Microsoft Teams, Skype, and Yammer
MODULE: Mastering Microsoft 365 Essentials || Essentials of Office 365 Navigation | Document Creation and Management | Document Processing Essentials | Collaboration and Communication Tools | Advanced Features and Connectivity
MODULE: Optimizing Collaboration With Microsoft 365 || Understanding the Admin Panel | Document Collaboration Mastery | Presentation Alternatives and Integrations | Communication Tools and Applications | Surveys, Quizzes and Task Management
What you are probably seeing
Your invoice shows a recurring subscription fee for Microsoft 365 that has not changed in years despite your team size staying the same. You notice that each user account adds up quickly when compared to free hosting alternatives that charge nothing for basic access.
You open your workflow and realize that certain integrations rely on Microsoft-specific features that do not exist in open source versions, creating a gap between what you need and what is available for free.
Why it happens
Microsoft 365 is designed as an ecosystem where email, documents, and chat are tightly linked, making it hard to swap just one piece without breaking the others. Open source tools often stand alone, so migrating means finding a glue layer or accepting a less seamless experience.
Many open source replacements are powerful but require self-hosting or technical setup, which feels risky compared to the managed service you already have. This hesitation keeps teams stuck on the paid option even when a free path exists.
What changed recently
Step by step
1. List every Microsoft 365 feature your business actually uses and rank them by daily importance. Search openaltfinder.com for an open source match for each item on that list. Identify the one app that has no suitable open source replacement. Assign a specific team member to test the top two open source candidates for that missing app this week. Document which open source tools can be hosted on your existing infrastructure without extra fees.
Ways to go further
Start here: Master Microsoft 365: Essential Skills and Beyond For when you are migrating from Microsoft 365 to open-source tools. Open the free course on Alison ↗
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