Exchange 2016 to Office 365 Migration

Question

What would you say I’d the best method for 80 odd users the plan is to decom the on prem server post migration does that rule oit remote move migration I know it used to at least I think it did.

The last few large scale migrations I have done were all remote move migrations in hybrid environments for large user base.

The last time I did one for a small company years ago I used the cutover method as it all just went over in a weekend with minimal user Impact anyway any advise would be appreciated

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

For a migration of around 80 users with the plan to decommission the on-premises server post-migration, a remote move migration might not be the most suitable option, especially if you're planning to decommission the server immediately after the migration. Remote move migration is typically used in hybrid scenarios where you maintain both on-premises and cloud-based resources.

Here are a couple of methods you could consider:

1. Cutover Migration: This method is suitable for smaller organizations and can be completed over a weekend, as you mentioned. It involves moving all mailboxes, users, and email data from an on-premises Exchange server to Office 365 and is generally straightforward. However, it requires careful planning to ensure minimal user impact.
2. Staged Migration: If you're looking to spread out the migration process over a longer period, a staged migration allows you to move batches of mailboxes to Office 365. This can help manage the load and ensure a smoother transition for users.
3. IMAP Migration: If you're only moving mailboxes and don't require calendar or contact migration, an IMAP migration could be a viable option. It's relatively simple but has limitations compared to other methods.

A version of cutover could look something like this:

• Verify that your Exchange 2016 environment is up to date.
• Ensure that all user mailboxes are on Exchange 2016.
• Configure Outlook Anywhere on your on-premises Exchange server.
• Check that you have the necessary licenses for Microsoft 365.

1. Domain Setup: Add and verify your domain in Microsoft 365. Decide on a domain type (authoritative or internal relay).
2. User Communication: Inform users about the upcoming migration and any actions they may need to take.
3. Migration Endpoint: Create a migration endpoint in Microsoft 365 to connect to your on-premises server.
4. Pilot Migration: Perform a pilot migration with a small number of users to validate the process.
5. Full Migration: Schedule and perform the cutover migration for all users. Monitor the migration process and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
6. Post-Migration: Update DNS records to point to Microsoft 365. Decommission on-premises Exchange servers if they are no longer needed. Provide support to users for any post-migration issues.
7. Final Checks: Ensure all data has been migrated successfully. Confirm that users can access their mailboxes and that mail flow is working correctly.

Regarding tooling - we use Sharegate internally for everything and it works flawlessly.

Answer 2

To migrate From Exchange 2016, 2019, or any below versions to Office 365 account, one should use Weeom Exchange to Office 365 Migration tool (aka Weeom Exchange Server Suite). This tool has features to migrate Exchange, Office 365, OST, PST, and EDB into Office 365, Live Exchange Server, Outlook Stores, PST, EML, and MSG.

Get More Info: www.weeom.com/exchange-to-office-365-migration-tool.php

Answer 3

To migrate from Exchange Server 2016 to Office 365 manually, follow the steps outlined below. Here's a trendy overview of the process -

Steps for the Hybrid Migration Method -

To complete the assignment efficiently, below are the prerequisites that you must follow:

If you wish to take your time migrating Exchange data within a few weeks or fewer,

If you use Exchange 2010, 2013, or 2016 servers (no older than 2010),

If you intend to discontinue using directory synchronization for user management,

If you have a server, you can install the Azure Active Directory Synchronization tool.

First, you must confirm the domain to migrate from Exchange 2016 to Office 365, as indicated below:

1. Log into your Office 365 admin account and navigate to Setup.
2. Select Domains to visit the domain page.
3. On the Domain page, click the Add Domain button to start the domain wizard
4. Enter your on-premises Exchange server domain name in the Add a Domain box, then click Next.
5. You'll see the Verify Domain screen; pick Sign in to GoDaddy or Add a TXT record and click Next.
6. Follow your DNS hosting provider's instructions to validate domain ownership.
7. Add your TXT or MX record, then wait up to 15 minutes before proceeding to the following step.
8. Once completed, click Done in the domain wizard and finally finish on the verification page.

After finishing this step, begin the hybrid migration process to migrate from Exchange 2016 to Office 365:

Log in to Office 365 on the system that is connected to your on-premises Exchange Server with global admin credentials. Follow the steps in the Exchange Hybrid Configuration Wizard, which can be found on the Data Migration page of the admin center.

Access the Office 365 admin center and select Setup >> Data migration.

Select Migration and then Exchange under Select your data service.

Proceed by clicking Next on the Hybrid Configuration Wizard page and connecting to the Exchange Server using the default settings.

On the Credentials screen, select Use your current Windows credentials for on-premises Exchange Server. Enter your administrator credentials and click Next.

On the Hybrid Features page, select Minimal Hybrid Configuration and click Next.

Finally, click the Update button on the Ready for Update page to prepare on-premises mailboxes for migration.

Navigate to the Data Migration page and select Setup >> Data Migration. Choose Exchange from the Migration page.

Select the user mailboxes for Office 365 migration and then click Start migration.

So, as shown above, this strategy appears to be hard and time-consuming. It is preferable to seek assistance from automated ways, which we will discuss more.

To simplify the migrating process, this tutorial covers a thorough manual method known as Hybrid migrating, which has certain limitations. So, we identified an automatic way to migrate from Exchange 2016 to Office 365 that follows its directions flawlessly. It's called Softaken Exchange 2016 to Office 365 Migration Software is best automatic method.