Migrating Google Workspace to Microsoft 365

There are many business email providers available. However, like many small businesses, you likely use Gmail. But in recent years, many businesses are considering Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 migration. 

You’re not alone if you’re tired of Google’s G-suite and Gmail for your corporate email. This frustrating challenge is one that many companies face.

In this article, you’ll learn why you need Microsoft 365 migration services and how to go about it. 

Also check out our other Microsoft 365 articles: Migrating from GoDaddy to Microsoft 365 and Exchange to Microsoft 365 migration.

Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 Migration Step by Step

Here are the steps you should follow when migrating Google Workspace to Microsoft 365.

1. Assess Your Current Google Workspace Environment

With the benefits in mind, it may be tempting to start the migration immediately. However, keep in mind that you’ll be moving lots of invaluable data you don’t want to risk losing. As such, the first step of the migration is assessing your current G-suite environment. 

This will assist you in determining which data has to be transferred and which Microsoft 365 migration services your firm requires. To guarantee effective migration, evaluate any unique Google Workspace settings or configurations.

2. Choose Your Office 365 Migration Method

There are different methods you can use for Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 migration. However, each is suitable for varying scenarios. These methods include:

• Cutover migration: Ideal for small organizations under 200 users. Over a weekend or other downtime, all users are migrated.
• Staged migration: Best for larger companies with over 200 users. It involves batch-migrating users over time.
• Hybrid migration: This strategy is best for enterprises that wish to keep certain on-premises email capabilities while progressively migrating to Office 365.

3. Prepare Your Office 365 Environment

Before you begin Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 migration, you must prepare Office 365. This covers setting up email, calendar, and user accounts. In addition, configure any business-related custom domains or settings.

4. Migrate Your Email, Contacts, and Calendars

Next, move your G-suite email, contacts, and calendar to Office 365. The Microsoft Data Migration Service (DMS) and Office 365 Admin Center help with this. These tools make data transfer easy.

5. Migrate Your Files and Documents

After migrating email, contacts, and calendars, migrate files and documents. The SharePoint Migration Tool or Microsoft OneDrive for Business sync can help. You should also transfer custom file and document permissions and settings to Office 365.

6. Test and Verify Your Office 365 Migration

Following the migration, test and verify everything. This includes verifying that your email, contacts, and calendar data were moved correctly and that your files and documents are accessible and functional in Office 365.

7. Train Your Users

Finally, teach users about the new Microsoft 365 environment. Provide training materials and hands-on training if needed. When people adjust to the new system, you should be available to answer their questions.

Top Microsoft 365 Migration Mistakes

Managing a Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 migration is complicated. Several moving parts make it easy to make mistakes. This section covers the most common migration mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Inadequate Planning: Businesses often fail to plan migrations. Without a plan, starting the process might cause confusion, delays, and extra costs. Take time to evaluate your system and plan the migration
2. Forgetting to Teach Your Team: Another typical mistake is failing to train your team on the new Microsoft 365 platform. As team members adjust to the new system, confusion and productivity loss can result. For a smooth transfer, train your employees beforehand.
3. Overlooking IT Security: Migrating to Office 365 requires robust security to protect your business from cyberattacks. Configure your security settings and train your workforce on security best practices.
4. Lack of QA Testing: Not testing your Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 migration before launch is another mistake, as unexpected challenges can disrupt your business operations. To avoid such issues, test your migration before going live.

Avoid these errors to guarantee a smooth Gmail to Office 365 transfer. A successful shift also requires choosing the correct migration tools and software. 

Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 Migration Tools

With numerous companies moving to Microsoft 365, what tool migrates from Google Workspace to Office 365? There are tools designed to help with the process. Using such a tool will ensure you migrate correctly and swiftly. While these tools may offer similar services, they’re not necessarily like for like. Therefore, consider your migration’s complexity and the support and services you need when choosing a migration technology. Each tool has pros and cons, so choose the one that fits your business needs

• Microsoft Data Migration Service (DMS) – Microsoft’s free Data Migration Service (DMS) migrates email, contacts, and calendar data from G suite to Office 365.
• Binary Tree – Using Binary Tree, a third-party migration solution, you can convert email, contacts, and calendars from G suite to Office 365.
• BitTitan – BitTitan MigrationWiz is a third-party product that helps businesses convert emails, contacts, and calendars from G suite to Office 365. MigrationWiz allows cutover and staged migration.
• Cloudiway – Cloudiway is a third-party migration application that helps businesses move email, contacts, and calendars from Gsuite to Office 365. Cloudiway supports cutover and gradual migration.
• SkyKick – Its Migration Suite automates Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 migration for email, calendar, and contacts. 
• Mover.io – migrates over a dozen cloud services, including Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. The tool also provides detailed reporting on migration progress and any concerns.

Microsoft 365 Migration Services at Frontline

When it comes to matters IT, especially those that touch on data and cybersecurity there’s no margin for error. This is why it’s better let experienced experts handle your company’s Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 migration. Frontline’s Microsoft 365 Migration Services are available for small to midsize enterprises. Our team is ready to assist. Contact us today at 310.438.5929.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understandably, you may still have questions about switching from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365. This section answers migration procedure FAQs. And if you don’t find the answers you’re looking for, feel free to contact Frontline, LLC today.

How long does it take to migrate Gmail to Office 365?

The migration process depends on your organization’s size, data volume, email environment complexity, and transfer method. A migration often takes many days to weeks. Your migration timeline depends on your business demands.

How much does it cost to migrate from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365?

The cost of transitioning from Google Workspace to Office 365 depends on your organization’s size, data volume, email infrastructure complexity, and migration technique. Migrations typically cost several hundred to several thousand dollars. Therefore, migration costs depend on your business demands.

Benefits of Google Workspace migration to Microsoft 365:

• Mass Adoption – Microsoft’s products products are used by companies worldwide daily. For instance, due to the efficiency and reliability of Microsoft 365, it has 345 million subscriptions. 
• Greater Flexibility and Customization – Microsoft 365 is more flexible and customizable. For example, Office 365 integrates with other Microsoft products, like OneDrive and Teams, to help you streamline workflows.
• Better Collaboration Capabilities – While Google Workspace helps with this, Microsoft 365 outperforms it. Some of the features that enable this include SharePoint and Teams, which facilitate real-time communication, file sharing, and project management.
• Improved IT Security – Microsoft 365 has enhanced security features to protect businesses’ data against cyberattacks. More importantly, it’s designed with compliance regulations in mind.