Short on Time Summary
Support for SharePoint 2013 has ended. By delaying migration, you risk losing data or missing out on new functionality. Migrating can seem like a daunting project but operating without support is riskier. Our approach to migration begins by understanding your requirements, selecting the correct migration tool and migrating your data appropriately to a solution which will future-proof your business.
Support for SharePoint 2013 has ended.
In April 2023, SharePoint 2013 reached end of life. Microsoft has switched off support and updates for the platform. If you are currently hosted on 2013, make migration a priority.
Not only do you risk losing valuable data, you will be vulnerable to security threats. SharePoint Online is constantly being updated, meaning your business has instant access to not only the latest security updates but improved design features, the latest web parts and more. In this article, we discuss the risks of not migrating and take you through our migration process so you feel confident making the change.
Our SharePoint Migration Process
All projects start with a kick-off project initiation workshop to define your requirements. At this stage, you need to understand the level of data to be transferred, what sites are to be recreated, templates, themes and any intranet hub sites which are to be created.
Together we will then define which migration tool is most appropriate for your project. Utilising a migration tool ensures there is no data loss. Manual migration is a dangerous tactic with high levels of risk. We give you the option of the free SharePoint Migration Tool or ShareGate.
The SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) is a free and easy-to-use migration solution to help organisations migrate content from on-premises SharePoint sites to Microsoft 365. SMT supports migrations from SharePoint 2010, 2013 and 2016, however the tool has its limitations. Large projects are not supported, and reporting capabilities are limited.
The other tool we use is ShareGate. Trusted by over 75,000 IT professionals, Sharegate is the go-to tool for migration projects due to its robustness and ability to move data with ease. ThinkShare has migrated up to 7TB of data on a single project using this migration method.
Whilst ShareGate is an additional cost, we like to think of it as an investment. ShareGate provides everything you need for a successful migration with enhanced features including reporting, permissions management, regular software updates. It also supports a wide range of content formats to match the needs of a modern organisation. From document sets to lists, Microsoft Teams, Planner Groups, and whole sites. Additionally, the licence is yearlong so you can undertake multiple projects without a time pressure.
The Migration Process
Before any migration, you need to uncover the integrity of your data. This enables us to evaluate the quality of the data and understand if it can be migrated into the new solution. Test migration will be conducted on a small sample size to ensure the connection is correct. This is important for a successful outcome.
Your project team will have the opportunity to communicate exactly how you want the data to be migrated. Migrate in bulk for efficiency or incrementally so that each team can migrate when they are comfortable.
How to Ensure a Successful Project
Give yourself time
Migrations usually take 3-5 months so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to complete before support ends.
Secure resource to this project
You need support from your organisation for a smooth transition. Make sure you have buy-in and have secured time with the relevant departments. Whether it’s content owners, IT systems administrators or your stakeholders, plan your project at a suitable and appropriate time for all.
Be considerate of other teams’ priorities and set expectations for their involvement in the project. If you expect a lot of Annual Leave, plan accordingly.
Understand your data
First, review your data with your IT team. Understanding the volume of data is important to determine how large your project will be. Secondly, you need to understand the data formats you have. Not all formats can be migrated over in their original form, some will need to be recreated. Finally, consider how much of the data you actually need to migrate. ThinkShare conducted a migration project with over 15 TB of data but only 7TB was migrated.
Define your requirements
Once you have a better understanding of your data, you’ll be equipped with the information to more clearly define your needs. Decide on the level of expertise and support required from your supplier. Only pay for what you actually need. We can advise on best practices and how to maximise your future solution.
Don’t Put It Off
Migration projects can feel daunting but the longer you put them off, the greater the risk to your business. ThinkShare have conducted migrations for Scottish Government, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Praxis and CitNOW.
We have utilised ShareGate in over 15 projects and have experience in all versions of SharePoint. If you are currently considering a migration, book a call with one of our expert consultants for advice on the best way forward for your specific project requirements. Or follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more advice about how to improve your digital workplace.