Moving Your On-Premises Environment to Microsoft Office 365: A Small Guide

Moving from an on-premises environment to Microsoft Office 365 can provide significant advantages for organizations. Cloud-based services enable businesses of any size to access various Microsoft products without the need to purchase, set up, and manage servers on-site, thus leveling the playing field.

Microsoft Exchange Server, SharePoint, Skype for Business, as well as programs like Word, Outlook, OneNote, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint, are accessible from anywhere, anytime, allowing users to collaborate and synchronize documents on different platforms with ease.

This flexibility empowers subscribers to work with all the tools they need, using a computer, laptop, or mobile phone, and an internet connection. The result is enhanced productivity and collaboration throughout the organization.

However, successful migrating to Office 365 requires effective communication and planning to avoid unexpected downtime or decreased productivity. Read the details about Office 365 Migration pre-requisite below:

Hybrid deployment requirements:

When it comes to Office 365, it’s uncommon for organizations to fully transition to the cloud. Many prefer to have some Microsoft applications hosted in the cloud for remote workers while keeping some on-premises for those on-site, such as using on-premises Exchange mail alongside Office 365.

Fortunately, a hybrid solution is possible, but it can be challenging to set up and requires certain configuration prerequisites. It’s important to consider identity management and security policies for both on-premises and cloud applications if considering a hybrid cloud option.

Archiving email can be a bit tricky:

Initiating a discussion with Microsoft Outlook users regarding transitioning to a different email platform can elicit feelings of apprehension. Users are unwilling to risk losing either their archived or non-archived emails as it is not a viable solution.

The predicament is that most of the on-premises legacy archive solutions that are utilized for email migration purposes are incompatible with Office 365.

Although there are some exceptions where exporting capabilities are present, utilizing such applications can be an extremely sluggish and tedious task. The process can be arduous and overwhelming when dealing with terabytes of data.

Network speed has a major role to play in the rate at which migration takes place:

To ensure a successful Office 365 transition, organizations need to first understand the network’s maximum capacity. This includes evaluating a range of factors that might slow down or hinder its performance.

It’s recommended to do some research before starting. Microsoft recommends reaching out to your broadband provider to learn more about the allocated bandwidth as well as any limits. This will ensure that you have all the necessary information for a smooth connection.

The amount of data that can be transmitted over a certain time frame can be determined by this method. They also suggest testing the flow of data from the on-premises data source to the Microsoft data center gateway servers.

If you want to avoid all these headaches, you can easily choose a migration assistance provider who can completely guide you through the migration process. Moreover, these providers can also help you with Cloud Hosted desktop which makes it easier for you to access your email from anywhere securely at any time.

Conclusion:

By switching to Office 365 applications and services, your company can enhance its productivity, enabling better collaboration, seamless information exchange with partners, and improved innovation cycles. Apps4Rent takes full responsibility for the complete uptime of the Office 365 platform and supporting its clients.

Moreover, they provide various hosting services like Best QuickBooks Hosting which makes it easier for the accountant in your organization to seamlessly access the data file from anywhere.

Devin Patel

Devin Patel holds a Master’s in Information Systems from Stanford University and has been a prominent figure in data analysis and information management for over 15 years. His articles simplify complex data concepts, making them accessible to a wide audience. His expertise lies in translating intricate data into actionable insights, assisting readers in navigating the digital landscape. He also mentors aspiring data professionals, guiding them in career development. An advocate for digital literacy, he volunteers in educational programs. Outside work, he is a great astronomer who enjoys exploring the cosmos' mysteries through his telescope.

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