Microsoft announced that it was going to discontinue SharePoint 2007 in 2019. It also announced the release of the latest version in the same year. A significant number of companies and government affiliations are now forced to migrate to a later version of SharePoint. This entails the process of conducting a content audit so that they can leave behind any content that they might not need in the decade-plus use of the platform. It is very important to be thorough with the process as it can reduce the chances of errors in the SharePoint Migration process. The versatility of the platform is such that it continues to be the preferred solution for even Fortune 500 companies. It significantly aids in collaboration between teams and developing workflows that can be standardized especially for managing files and documents.
What Are the Different SharePoint Migration Methods?
Broadly, 4 different types of solutions can be used for migrating from a legacy version of the platform.
Performing In-Place SharePoint Upgrade
Strictly speaking, the in-place upgrade is not technically a migration at all. A newer version of SharePoint is installed on the existing hardware. Note that SharePoint On Premises migration to SharePoint Online is not an in-place SharePoint migration as it does not involve any installation. The advantage of this type of migration is that it is fast. However, the biggest limitation is that you can only upgrade to the next version.
Doing a Manual Transfer
In the case of performing a manual data transfer from one version of SharePoint to another, you still have to install the newer version. The difference is that you will be doing this on a new set of hardware. The data transfer will be a manual process. You will have to copy the data from the old environment and move it to the new one. This is easily the most time-consuming method of performing SharePoint migration. It is also probably the least used method by experts. This solution is ideal in scenarios that involve SharePoint development wherein there is a high probability of issues that are hard to fix.
Content Database Movement
This method also goes by the alternate name of the detach database method. After you have configured a new set of hardware, you will remove the existing content database from the current SharePoint version. This will then be attached to the latest environment of SharePoint that you have created.
Third-Party Tool Based SharePoint Migration
This method involves the purchase of licenses for appropriate SharePoint migration tools. Often, these tools can also be used for other purposes such as Office 365 tenant to tenant migration. This is the most flexible method that is available for SharePoint migration. Not only does it simplify the process, it significantly speeds it up while reducing manual intervention.
Assisted SharePoint Migration
As an experienced MSP with over 15 years of SharePoint migration experience, Apps4Rent can provide white-gloved SharePoint migration services with 24/7 phone, chat, and email support. Along with promotional Azure Windows Virtual Desktop pricing for enhanced business productivity.
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