The Top 4 Microsoft Office 365 Migration Pitfalls to Avoid

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One of the most popular ways to integrate cloud technology into your workplace is by adopting Office 365. This program provides an easy-to-use managed infrastructure for content, email, conferencing, modern collaboration tools, and more. Unfortunately, with all of these bells and whistles comes a complex migration process. Read on as we explore four of the most common Microsoft Office 365 migration mistakes that you should avoid when making the switch.

1. No End User Involvement

In most cases, migrating to Office 365 is going to involve some level of change for your end users, as they’ll eventually need to know how to use this unfamiliar system (i.e., how to log in, access data, utilize collaboration tools, and so on) to do their everyday work tasks. The learning curve that comes with adopting a new platform like Office 365 calls for proper employee training. Working with your end users to help them better understand the features and benefits of Office 365 can empower them to use the Office 365 suite to its fullest potential – which ultimately means more workplace productivity and a higher ROI.

2. Major Security Gaps

Nearly half (46 percent) of enterprises endured a data breach last year, and organizations should be aware of the security risks that accompany implementing new cloud-based software like Office 365. For many companies, Office 365 migration occurs when they are dealing with a new BYOD or remote work policy, which means that extra steps should be taken to ensure that your network is fully secure. This may just be a matter of configuring the software in a particular way, such as enabling single sign-on.

3. Incorrect Application Configuration

A common mistake that firms make during the Microsoft Office 365 migration process is that they fail to configure their cloud applications to match how they were set up before. For instance, a busy or inexperienced in-house IT department may overlook the way email inboxes are configured, leaving end users frustrated at missing filters and custom rules that they had put into place prior to migrating. Enlisting the help of a seasoned MSP that offers Office 365 migration services help to ensure a seamless transition to the new system.

4. You Forget to Adapt Your IT Environment

While some of your current ways of doing things will – and should – spill over to the implementation phase of Office 365 (like the email preferences that were previously discussed), you should also remember that you will never get the full benefits of Office 365 if all you do is replicate your old ways. To get the most out of your investment, consider working with a Microsoft Partner. They should be able to highlight specific Office 365 features that could significantly improve your business’ productivity, processes, security, and so on.

Now that you know what not to do during the Office 365 migration process, let’s talk about the reality of what you should be doing. If you’re not fully prepared to do in-depth research about Office 365 licensing and procurement options, ensure a quick migration, and empower your employees via proper training, then you’re not ready to take on the migration process alone. Instead, let us help. Here at Contigo, our goal is to make the Office 365 migration process as quick and painless as possible by providing your organization with our guidance. If you are seeking a seamless transition to the cloud, feel free to contact us today.