On Premises File Server Migrations

We evaluate organisations on premises servers and implement a plan in migrating this data to SharePoint Online

Steps to Prepare for Your Migration

We will Outline the key steps to take before starting the migration process, including assessing your current environment, planning the migration, and preparing your data.

Overcoming Common Migration Challenges

We will discuss potential challenges we commonly face during migration's and how to address them, such as handling large volumes of data, ensuring data integrity, and managing user adoption.

Benefits of Migrating to SharePoint

We will highlight the advantages of moving from a traditional file server to SharePoint, such as improved collaboration, enhanced security, and better accessibility.

Benefits of Migrating to SharePoint

Migrating from a traditional file server to SharePoint offers numerous advantages that can transform the way your organisation manages and collaborates on documents:

• Improved Collaboration: SharePoint enables real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. This enhances teamwork and productivity.

• Enhanced Security: SharePoint provides robust security features, including permissions management, data encryption, and compliance with industry standards, ensuring your data is protected.

• Better Accessibility: With SharePoint, your files are accessible from anywhere, on any device, making it easier for remote and mobile workers to access the information they need.

• Version Control: SharePoint maintains a history of document versions, allowing users to track changes and revert to previous versions if necessary.

• Integration with Microsoft 365: SharePoint integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 apps, such as Teams, OneDrive, and Outlook, providing a unified and streamlined experience.

Steps we take to Prepare for Your Migration

Preparing for a migration to SharePoint involves careful planning and organisation to ensure a smooth transition:

• Assess Your Current Environment: We conduct a thorough assessment of your existing file server to understand the volume and types of data you have. Identify any redundant, obsolete, or trivial (ROT) data that can be discarded or archived.

• Plan the Migration: We develop a detailed migration plan that outlines the steps, timeline, and resources required.We also work with you to create the most practical file structure that works for your organisation whilist following best practices.

• Data Cleanup: Just like moving house, you don't take everything with you. You should use this opportunity to clean up your data. Remove unnecessary files, archive old data, and organise your documents to ensure only relevant and important data is migrated.

• Pilot Testing: We conduct a pilot migration with a small group of users to identify any potential issues and gather feedback. This helps us refine the migration process before a full-scale rollout.

• User Training: We provide training sessions and resources to help users understand how to use SharePoint effectively. This ensures a smooth transition and maximises user adoption accross your organisation.

Overcoming Common Migration Challenges

Migrating to SharePoint can present several challenges, but with the right approach, these can be effectively managed:

• Handling Large Volumes of Data: Migrating large volumes of data can be time-consuming and complex. We use leading migration tools that support incremental migrations, allowing you to move data in phases and minimise downtime.

• Ensuring Data Integrity: It's crucial to ensure that all data is accurately migrated without loss or corruption. We use reputable migration tools that provide robust data validation and error-checking capabilities.

• Managing User Adoption: Users may resist the change to a new system.We provide comprehensive training and support to help users understand the benefits of SharePoint and how to use it effectively.

• Avoiding a Lift-and-Shift Approach: Remember, migrating to SharePoint should not be a simple lift-and-shift. Just like moving house, you should take the opportunity to declutter and organise your data. This ensures that only necessary and valuable data is migrated, improving the overall efficiency and usability of your new SharePoint environment.

By following these steps and addressing common challenges, we can ensure a successful migration to SharePoint that enhances your organisation's productivity and collaboration.

How CobTech Can Assist

Cobtech can assist with SharePoint migrations by offering a comprehensive approach that ensures a smooth transition to SharePoint Online. This includes assessing your current environment, planning the migration strategy, and executing the migration with minimal disruption.

We also provide post-migration support to ensure your new SharePoint Online environment is optimised for performance and security. By leveraging Cobtech's services, you can benefit from the scalability, cost-efficiency, and enhanced collaboration features of SharePoint Online, while reducing the burden on your IT resources.

Please have a read of our FAQ'S for any frequently asked questions about our services