Tutorial / Cram Notes
Start by assessing your current environment. Understand the scope by taking an inventory of your data, including the size and number of files, as well as the complexity of the content such as customizations and third-party solutions integrated with your current SharePoint environment.
Current Environment Assessment
- Identify SharePoint versions in use.
- List site collections and their sizes.
- Document custom solutions and workflows.
- Determine the extent of third-party integrations.
- Analyze content databases and sizes.
Migration Scope Definition
- Decide which sites and data to migrate.
- Define what not to migrate (obsolete or irrelevant content).
- Prioritize content for migration.
Choose Your Migration Tools
Select appropriate tools for the migration process. Microsoft offers several tools for different needs and scenarios:
- SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT)
- Best for simple migrations from SharePoint 2013 or later.
- It provides a basic GUI for mapping and transferring content.
- Mover
- Ideal for moving files into OneDrive and SharePoint Online from various cloud service providers.
- Azure Data Box
- Suitable for extremely large data sets that might be time and resource-intensive to transfer over the network.
Develop a Migration Strategy
Your migration strategy should balance speed, cost, and impact on the organization. Consider phasing your migration to minimize business disruption.
- Phased Migration
- Pilot phase: Migrate a small, representative segment of content and users.
- Wave phase: Perform subsequent migrations in waves, starting with less complex and less used areas before moving to more critical ones.
- Final phase: Migrate the remaining content, taking care to handle complex and heavy-use sites.
Testing and Validation
Before rolling out the migration to the entire organization, conduct thorough testing.
- Ensure that migrated content maintains its fidelity.
- Verify permissions and access controls.
- Test customizations and third-party solutions if applicable.
- Validate user experience and functionality in the new environment.
Communication and Training
Keeping users informed and providing training on the new platform is crucial for adoption.
- Develop a communication plan to update users about the migration timeline.
- Offer training resources and sessions on using SharePoint Online and OneDrive.
- Provide checkpoint updates during the migration process.
Execution
Carry out the actual migration according to the planned phases.
- Monitor progress and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
- Coordinate with IT support to address user concerns immediately.
Post-Migration
Following the migration, ensure everything is functioning as expected.
- Perform checks for data integrity and consistency.
- Solicit user feedback.
- Optimize the new environment based on usage patterns.
Maintenance and Continuous Improvement
After successful migration, focus shifts to ongoing management and enhancement of the environment.
- Regularly review and adjust governance policies.
- Encourage ongoing user training and support.
When executed properly, this structured approach to migration can lead to a smooth transition to SharePoint Online and OneDrive, facilitating better collaboration, stronger security, and increased productivity across the organization. It’s essential that this strategy is revisited and adjusted as organizational needs evolve and as Microsoft releases new tools and features to enhance the migration experience.
Practice Test with Explanation
True or False: Before migrating to SharePoint Online and OneDrive, an inventory of current SharePoint sites and their content is not necessary.
- False
An inventory of current SharePoint sites and content is essential to plan the migration effectively, as it helps to understand the scope, size, and complexity of the current environment.
When planning a migration to SharePoint Online, which of the following factors should be considered? (Select all that apply)
- a) Network capacity
- b) Data governance policies
- c) User training requirements
- d) Color scheme of the SharePoint sites
a, b, c
Network capacity, data governance policies, and user training requirements are crucial factors to consider during migration planning. The color scheme is generally an aspect of branding and not a critical factor in migration planning.
True or False: Custom SharePoint solutions built with full-trust code can be directly migrated to SharePoint Online without any modifications.
- False
Full-trust code solutions are not supported in SharePoint Online. They need to be evaluated and potentially redeveloped as Sandbox solutions, SharePoint Add-ins, or SharePoint Framework solutions compatible with SharePoint Online.
Which migration approach allows organizations to move to SharePoint Online over time, at their own pace?
- a) Big bang migration
- b) Phased migration
- c) Hybrid migration
- d) Flash migration
b) Phased migration
A phased migration enables organizations to move to SharePoint Online over time, allowing for a more controlled and manageable process.
True or False: OneDrive for Business supports the migration of file versions when moving files from file shares.
- True
OneDrive for Business supports the migration of file versions when using the right migration tools, such as the SharePoint Migration Tool, which retains file version history during the move.
Which tool provided by Microsoft is primarily used for the migration of content to SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business?
- a) Microsoft Project
- b) Microsoft Migration Manager
- c) SharePoint Migration Tool
- d) Azure Migration Services
c) SharePoint Migration Tool
The SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) is specifically designed to migrate content to SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business.
True or False: Azure Blob Storage is directly utilized for SharePoint Online content storage when performing data migration.
- False
While Azure Blob Storage may be utilized in the back-end of SharePoint Online, it is not directly interacted with during data migration by end-users or admins.
Select the feature that helps protect sensitive data in SharePoint Online and OneDrive during and after migration.
- a) Azure Information Protection
- b) Azure Active Directory
- c) Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- d) Modern Authentication
c) Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) helps in identifying and protecting sensitive data across SharePoint Online and OneDrive.
When preparing for a migration to SharePoint Online, what is the maximum file size that can be uploaded?
- a) 2 GB
- b) 15 GB
- c) 100 GB
- d) 250 GB
b) 15 GB
As of my last update, the maximum file size that can be uploaded to SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business is 15 GB.
True or False: The SharePoint Migration Assessment Tool (SMAT) is used during the migration process to actually transfer data.
- False
SMAT is a pre-migration assessment tool that is used to identify potential issues before actual data migration begins. It is not used to transfer data.
Which migration approach maintains both on-premises SharePoint and SharePoint Online environments simultaneously for some period?
- a) Big bang migration
- b) Phased migration
- c) Hybrid migration
- d) Selective migration
c) Hybrid migration
A hybrid migration approach involves maintaining both on-premises and online SharePoint environments at the same time, often used as a transition strategy.
True or False: Microsoft 365 FastTrack can provide assistance throughout your SharePoint Online migration at no additional cost if you meet eligibility requirements.
- True
If you meet the eligibility requirements, Microsoft 365 FastTrack offers free assistance and best practices to help you migrate to SharePoint Online effectively.
Great post! Really appreciate the insights on planning a migration strategy for SharePoint Online and OneDrive.
When dealing with large amounts of data, what tools do you recommend to efficiently migrate to SharePoint Online?
For a seamless migration, how critical is it to map out the information architecture before starting?
Can anyone explain the difference between a lift-and-shift migration approach and a phased migration approach?
Thanks, this was helpful!
Has anyone faced any unexpected challenges while migrating to OneDrive?
I’d recommend setting up a pilot migration first. It’s a good way to identify potential issues before going live with the full migration.
How do you ensure data integrity during the migration process?