Migrating To Microsoft 365?
What do you feel when you hear the words “email migration”? Do these words send a shiver up your spine or strike a bit of fear into your heart? If this applies to you, you are not alone. Many users do not like to think about email migration because it is often viewed as a challenging and frustrating task. We understand. Email migrations can feel nerve-wracking, but they do not have to be.
Your emails, contacts, files, appointments are all part of the foundation for your business. You cannot afford to lose any of them, nor can you afford to experience significant downtime while you migrate. While you are afraid to lose your emails, contacts, files, etc., you no longer want to remain on your current system. What are you supposed to do?
Many businesses and organizations, regardless of their size, are running on Microsoft Office. However, after almost ten years, Windows 7 and Office 2010 end of support was in January and October 2020. With the end of those technologies coming to an end, more businesses and organizations need to move to newer technologies, such as cloud computing.
Microsoft Office 365, the cloud-based suite, was released in 2011. Ever since the release of Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft has continued to make upgrades and enhancements to its features that aim to improve the user experience.
Microsoft Office 365 is a comprehensive package of applications and software on a single platform. Microsoft 365 is a subscription-based model. This Microsoft suite provides numerous features and benefits that will improve productivity and efficiency. If you are planning to migrate to Microsoft 365, there are questions you should ask before the migration process so you can make a more informed decision.
Is Microsoft 365 a Cloud-Based Solution?
Microsoft Office 365 is a SaaS (software as a service) that provides a variety of services on a public cloud platform. Key concerns surrounding software and programs that operate in the cloud are generally centered around security.
However, you should not worry too much about this. Microsoft has built a reputation on protecting its users. You can rest assured that Microsoft’s developers and engineers will work tirelessly to ensure your business or organization does not experience any trouble while accessing the platform.
Microsoft 365 also has strong security features that are aimed at increasing productivity, increasing efficiency, and improving communication and collaboration, while helping your business or organization protect its data. The security features in Microsoft 365 will also ensure you are compliant with industry requirements.
Microsoft 365 uses Azure Active Directory to manage user identities behind the scenes and provide authentication and access control. Microsoft 365 is designed on the Security Development Lifecycle, a Microsoft process that embeds security requirements into all development phases.
Microsoft 365 and other cloud-based SaaS offerings have many benefits. One of the more popular benefits of Microsoft 365 is the cost of using the service. Pay is based on a monthly subscription model, and users will receive features that will allow them to work with external partners. Another benefit of Microsoft 65 is the ability for employees to work remotely.
How Can I Choose The Right Microsoft 365 Plan?
Microsoft Office 365 has many plans and pricing for individuals and organizations to choose from. The plans are Home, Business, and Enterprise. Each plan has its own applications and features. There is a key difference in the plans, and that difference is its users. The Home plan is designed for individual users and is equipped with basic requirements, the Business and the Enterprise licenses are recommended for startups small businesses, medium businesses, and enterprises and are equipped with more large features. Before migrating to Microsoft 365, we recommend learning as much about the plans as possible so you can choose the one that is more suitable for your business.
Can I Migrate Current Content To Microsoft Office 365?
Your business likely already uses Microsoft Office tools, so it is unlikely that you will want to create brand-new content when you make the switch to Microsoft 365. This would mean you would have to move your old content and data over to a new platform.
Depending on how complex your business or organization is, the migration process involving your business data may not be the easiest thing you have experienced. Some solutions you are currently using may not be supported in Microsoft 365, and this will mean you may no longer be able to use them. If this is the case, those solutions will need to be converted into a more acceptable and supported format.
Since the migration process can be complex, individuals and organizations are advised to seek the guidance of experts who can help you plan the migration, choose the best plan, and ensure your documents are secured during the migration process.
Do I Need To Backup My Data?
As mentioned previously, moving to Microsoft 365 will mean you will have to migrate your current content and files to the new platform so that you will not have to start over from scratch. Therefore, it is important for you to backup your existing files and data, and then choose the right tools to migrate to the cloud. Fortunately, Microsoft and its partners provide the support that is needed during the migration process. However, there are things, such as templates, that will not be supported by Microsoft 365. It is important to know what you will need to do in cases where certain things will not be supported. You do not want to risk losing critical data during your migration to Microsoft 365.
There will be quite a bit of work that will need to be done before migration, but once the migration process is completed, you will not have too much to worry about. If your network has been kept up to standards as required for Microsoft 365 security and functionality, the migration process should not be too much trouble.
Do you want to migrate your business or organization to Microsoft 365? Contact Parkway Tech today. Our experts can evaluate your business and determine if a Microsoft 365 migration is the best move. If it is determined that this will be the best move, our team will facilitate a smooth and seamless migration.
