Migrate OnPrem DL to O365?

Clint Fisher 1 Reputation point
2021-07-07T20:04:23.36+00:00

Hi experts,
I am in Exchange Hybrid Mode (Exch 2013) and am hoping to exit hybrid-mode, decommission on-prem Exchange servers, and be fully operational in O365. The biggest roadblock to this progress is our many on-prem DLs. In reading the FAQ, and running Get-EligibleDistributionGroupForMigration command, I have no DLs that can be auto-migrated. What I am hearing from the Forum threads is that this delete-and-re-create process must be done manually.

I am incredulous that Microsoft expects admins to migrate fully to O365 while failing to provide any automated mechanism to migrate DLs. and thus complete the migration. We are told that we must delete each OnPrem DL and re-create it in O365. For a product line that is well over two-decades old and so well-established, I find this prospect simply unacceptable.

Has ANYONE published an automated solution to this problem?

And how do we manage migrating On-Prem security groups that double as DLs? In order to retain domain security groups and associated file permissions, are we supposed to now create a NEW DL, to avoid a name-collision, and then notify all users/customers/vendors that they must now use the "new" DL? (or worse, create a new security group and attempt to chase down all file system references to it across the organization?)

Microsoft is breaking functionality that has worked for decades and, as usual, is letting admins suffer because of it, all while sales folks tout the "benefits" of a migration to O365 - without mentioning the hidden costs such as these serious roadblocks.

Any help will be appreciated.

Microsoft Exchange Hybrid Management
Microsoft Exchange Hybrid Management
Microsoft Exchange: Microsoft messaging and collaboration software.Hybrid Management: Organizing, handling, directing or controlling hybrid deployments.
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  1. KyleXu-MSFT 26,206 Reputation points
    2021-07-08T05:58:48.17+00:00

    @Clint Fisher

    You cannot migrate group to Exchange online like migrate mailbox.

    You need to recreate distribution group on Exchange online manually, you can also try to find some script to recreate group on Exchange online. Such as: How to Export Distribution Lists from on-premises Exchange and import to Exchange Online Office 365. But, those script only recreate group, it will not recreate permission on those group.

    Please Note: Since the web site is not hosted by Microsoft, the link may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.

    Personally, I would suggest you sync distribution groups to Exchange online and keep the running of hybrid. In this way, you will could use distribution group on Exchange online without recreate them.

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