OUR PROCESS: MICROSOFT 365 MIGRATION
PLANNING AND DESIGN
- During this phase, we assess existing messaging environments, including mailboxes (such as Gmail) and distribution groups used by different teams, to plan for a seamless transition.
- Review collaboration tools, identifying how Microsoft Teams—integrated with SharePoint Online (SPO) and OneDrive—can best support your organization’s workflows and document management needs.
- A key part of this stage is determining the volume of data to be migrated, as pricing is based on the amount being moved. The migration contract will include a cap to ensure transparency and cost control.
- Additionally, we incorporate IT education and knowledge transfer into the plan to support user adoption and readiness.
PREP
- During this phase, we set up the foundational elements needed for a successful Microsoft 365 deployment. This includes creating user accounts and ensuring each team member is assigned the appropriate license.
- It’s important to note that users cannot access or create content in the Microsoft 365 environment without a valid license. Additionally, the number of licenses directly impacts the amount of available storage space, so it’s essential to align licensing with your organization’s needs.
- As part prep, we also assign individual OneDrive accounts to users, enabling secure personal storage and file sharing capabilities.
MIGRATION
- During this phase, we perform the initial sync. It involves migrating all collaboration content—such as files and team data—from your existing environment into Microsoft 365. This process is incremental, allowing for updates and changes during the migration period. Messaging data, such as emails and calendars, typically takes longer to sync and will be scheduled carefully to ensure minimal disruption.
- Once all necessary content has been synchronized, we cutover or go live. At this point, a final sync is performed to ensure that the most up-to-date data is captured. After cutover, users will fully transition to the new Microsoft 365 environment, and the old systems will no longer be used
- To support this migration, specific tools are required and must be purchased directly by the customer due to legal constraints that prevent us from procuring them on your behalf. For collaboration content we may use BitTitan, but in many cases will use Sharegate.
- For collaboration content, we use ShareGate, which ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 depending on data volume and infrastructure needs. The $6,000 option covers migrations under 1TB and requires one server and one license, while the $10,000 option is for environments with 1TB or more and involves five servers and five licenses.