Use the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) to Migrate to Microsoft 365

Are you looking for a way to migrate your files into your Microsoft 365 environment?

The SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) is a free application provided by Microsoft that allows you to migrate files and content from various sources including file servers, Google, Dropbox, SharePoint on-premises, and more, into SharePoint Online or OneDrive for Business. It simplifies the process of moving files, documents, and other data to SharePoint Online, making it easier for organizations to transition from SharePoint on-premises or other file storage systems to the cloud-based SharePoint Online platform. 

Key Benefits of the SharePoint Migration Tool

There are several key benefits to Microsoft’s SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT), including:  

• Source support – The SPMT supports migration from various sources, including SharePoint on-premises (2010, 2013, 2016 and 2019), network file shares, and other cloud storage providers like Google and Dropbox.  
• Flexible migration options – The SPMT provides options to migrate entire document libraries, lists, or specific folders and files. You can choose to overwrite existing files, preserve metadata, permissions, and timestamps, and handle file collisions based on your preferences. 
• User-friendly interface – The SPMT has a user-friendly interface that will guide you through the migration process with step-by-step instructions.
• Incremental migration options – The SPMT supports incremental migrations, allowing you to migrate new or modified files after your initial migration, minimizing down time.
• Pre-migration assessment – Before the migration, the SPMT can analyze the source environment and provide an assessment that helps identify any potential issues or conflicts that may arise during the migration process, allowing you to address them proactively.
• Migration monitoring and reporting – During the migration, the SPMT provides real-time progress updates, allowing you to monitor the migration status, track for errors or warnings, and generate reports for auditing and compliance purposes.

It’s worth noting that while the SPMT is extremely useful for many migration scenarios, it may have limitations based on the source environment and the complexity of the migration.

Preparing for a Microsoft 365 Migration

Before starting a migration into Microsoft 365, it’s important to prepare. Here are some key steps you can consider:

1. Understand your current environment. Assess and document your existing environment, including the structure, content, and configurations in your current system. This will help you plan the migration strategy effectively.
2. Define migration goals and scope. Clearly define your migration goals, such as what content and data you want to migrate, the expected timeline, and any specific requirements or limitations. Determine the scope of the migration by identifying which users, departments, or sites will be included.
3. Perform a data inventory. Conduct a comprehensive inventory of your content including files, documents, lists, libraries, and other data. This inventory will help you better understand the volume, size, and types of content you need to migrate.
4. Review and optimize content. Before migrating, consider conducting a review and cleanup of your data. Eliminate unnecessary, duplicate, or outdated content to minimize the amount of content migrating into the new environment.
5. Plan for governance and security. Determine your governance and security requirements for Microsoft 365. Define policies for access control, permissions, information architecture, retention, and compliance. Ensure you have a clear plan for applying these policies during and after the migration.
6. Assess network and bandwidth requirements. Evaluate your network infrastructure and bandwidth capacity to ensure a smooth experience in a cloud-based environment.
7. Inform and train users. Communicate the upcoming migration to your users and provide relevant training and documentation to ensure they are prepared for the transition. Familiarize users with the new Microsoft 365 environment and any changes they can expect.
8. Familiarize yourself with the SPMT resources. Review Microsoft’s SPMT documentation to ensure you are familiar with its capabilities, limitations, and best practices.

Using the SharePoint Migration Tool

To use the SPMT for your Microsoft 365 migration, you can follow these steps:

1. Prepare the environment. Ensure you have created the SharePoint Online sites that will receive the migrated data and that you have properly planned for and applied permissions to these locations.
2. Download and install the SPMT. Go to the official SPMT download page and download the appropriate version of the SPMT for your operating system. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Launch the SPMT. Open the SPMT on your computer.
4. Connect to your source. Click the + Add Source button and select the source type. Enter the necessary details to connect to your source as prompted.
5. Connect to your destination. Click the + Add Destination button. Select SharePoint as the destination type and enter the site URL. Provide the necessary credentials as prompted.
6. Configure the migration settings. Set the migration options including overwrite, permissions, and modified and created date information settings. Choose the specific document libraries or folders within the destination site where you want to migrate content. Adjust any additional settings based on your requirements.
7. Start the migration. Review the migration summary to ensure everything is set up correctly. Click on the Migrate button to begin the migration process. Monitor the migration progress and check for any errors or warnings.
8. Verify the migration. Once the migration is complete, navigate to your SharePoint Online site to verify that files appear as desired. Validate the file structure, permissions, and metadata. Test the accessibility and functionality of migrated files.

Working With a Migration Specialist

A migration to Microsoft 365 is an exciting undertaking for any organization, but it’s a lot of work to properly plan for and execute a migration. A migration specialist – like Regroove – can help! Migration specialists brings expertise, experience, and tailored strategies to ensure a successful transition, minimizing disruptions and saving time and resources for your organization. Our team has a deep understanding of migration complexities, best practices, and end user adoption strategies. We offer post-migration support including end user coaching and optimization of your Microsoft 365 environment for communication, collaboration, and productivity.

Interested in working with Regroove to migrate into the Microsoft cloud? Get in touch with us using the form below!