identify hybrid requirements for SharePoint Online

Hybrid environments blend on-premises infrastructure with cloud services to provide flexibility, scalability, and potentially, a stepping stone towards full migration to the cloud. SharePoint Online, part of Microsoft Office 365, often operates within this hybrid space, allowing businesses to combine the convenience of cloud services with their existing SharePoint on-premises infrastructure.

To effectively set up a hybrid SharePoint environment, there are certain requirements and considerations. It is critical to identify and meet these to ensure a seamless integration and optimal user experience.

SharePoint Online Hybrid Requirements

1. Directory Synchronization

To maintain consistent identity information between your on-premises Active Directory and Office 365, you’ll need Azure AD Connect to synchronize user accounts and groups. This setup allows users to have a common identity across your on-premises and cloud services.

Example:

• Users’ login credentials are the same for on-premises and Office 365 services, enabling a more streamlined user experience.

2. Network Infrastructure

Strong network performance is vital for a successful hybrid deployment. It would be best if you had a reliable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth to support communication between on-premises servers and SharePoint Online.

Example:

• Ensure ExpressRoute or a similar high-speed connection to minimize latency.

3. SharePoint Server Version

Your on-premises SharePoint should be at a certain minimum version level to support hybrid functionalities. SharePoint 2013, 2016, and 2019 have hybrid capabilities, but they vary with the release.

Comparison Table:

4. Server Configuration

A prerequisite for a SharePoint hybrid environment is server configuration that can support hybrid features. This may include a reverse proxy for outward-bound connections or configuring hybrid SharePoint services on your SharePoint servers.

Example:

• Configuring a hybrid picker within SharePoint admin centers will help set up connections to SharePoint Online.

5. SSL Certificates

Secure communication between on-premises servers and SharePoint Online is essential. Using SSL certificates from a trusted certificate authority ensures the security of data transmitted.

Example:

• Installing an SSL certificate on the SharePoint servers to encrypt traffic to and from Office 365.

6. Authentication

Supporting a single sign-on (SSO) experience requires a federation service such as Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) or any similar identity provider that supports SAML 2.0.

Example:

• Configuring ADFS to allow users to use their on-premises credentials to access SharePoint Online without additional prompts.

7. Public URLs

The public URLs of your on-premises SharePoint environment must be accessible from the Office 365 service. This is crucial for the redirection features, like the hybrid OneDrive for Business, which allows users to be redirected to their cloud or on-premises My Site.

8. Office 365 Tenant

An Office 365 tenant that includes SharePoint Online is a basic requirement. The setup configuration must align with the desired hybrid features.

Example:

• An Office 365 E3 or E5 subscription that includes the full suite of SharePoint Online capabilities.

9. License Considerations

Hybrid features require proper licensing in both on-premises SharePoint and Office 365. Ensure that the intended users have the necessary licenses to access both platforms’ resources.

10. Compliance and Security

Make sure that both your on-premises and cloud systems adhere to compliance regulations and follow security best practices.

Example:

• Implementing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies that apply across both environments.

Best Practices for Hybrid Setup

• Thoroughly plan your hybrid strategy before implementation, including identity management, data governance, and user experience.
• Conduct regular performance assessments and security audits.
• Keep your on-premises SharePoint environment up to date to ensure compatibility with SharePoint Online improvements.
• Understand and manage the search experiences in hybrid environments.
• Train your users and IT staff to handle the nuances of a hybrid SharePoint setup.

By identifying and addressing these hybrid requirements, organizations can create a reliable and efficient bridge between their on-premises SharePoint infrastructure and SharePoint Online, allowing for a gradual transition to the cloud while maintaining day-to-day operations.