SharePoint Migration is the process of transferring content, data, and configurations from one SharePoint environment to another. The migration process can involve moving from one version of SharePoint to another, from an on-premises environment to the cloud, or from one SharePoint tenant to another. The main goal of SharePoint Migration is to ensure that the content and data remains accessible and usable after the migration.

I am going to write a series of blogs on SharePoint migrations and differences on SharePoint On-Premise and SharePoint online migrations.

Important Migration Factors

There are several factors to consider when planning a SharePoint Migration, including:

  • Source and destination environment compatibility: Ensure that the source and destination environments are compatible and can support the content, data, and configurations being migrated.
  • Content scope: Determine which content, data, and configurations will be migrated, and which will be excluded.
  • Timeline: Establish a timeline for the migration, including planning, preparation, data collection, data migration, testing, and go-live.
  • Tools and methods: Choose the right migration tool and method based on the size of the migration and the complexity of the content and data being migrated.
  • Security and compliance: Ensure that the migration process complies with security and data protection regulations, and that the migrated content and data remains secure in the destination environment.
  • User experience: Consider the impact of the migration on end-users, and plan for training, communication, and support to minimize disruption to the user experience.

The SharePoint Migration process can be complex, so it’s recommended to plan and test the migration thoroughly before executing it. The use of a migration tool can help simplify the process and minimize the risk of data loss or disruption to the user experience.

Different Ways of SharePoint Migrations

There are several different ways to perform SharePoint migrations, depending on the size, complexity, and specific requirements of your migration. Here are some common methods for SharePoint migrations:

Manual Migration:

Manually copying and pasting content and data from one SharePoint environment to another. This method is typically used for small migrations and requires manual configuration of the destination environment.

Third-party Migration Tools:

Using commercial or open-source tools to automate the migration process. These tools can handle complex migrations, manage large amounts of data, and provide detailed reporting and tracking.

SharePoint Migration API:

Using Microsoft’s SharePoint Migration API to automate the migration process. The API provides a set of APIs that can be used to migrate content, data, and configurations from one SharePoint environment to another.

SharePoint Content Deployment:

Using the content deployment feature in SharePoint to move content from one site collection to another. This method is typically used for moving content between site collections within the same SharePoint environment.

SharePoint Backup and Restore:

Using the backup and restore feature in SharePoint to move content, data, and configurations from one environment to another. This method is typically used for moving content, data, and configurations between SharePoint versions or between on-premises and cloud environments. It’s important to choose the right method for your migration based on the size and complexity of your content, data, and configurations, as well as your specific requirements and constraints. It’s also recommended to carefully plan and test your migration process before executing it, to minimize the risk of data loss or disruption to the user experience.

Adnan is six time Microsoft MVP (Since 2015) with over 16 years of extensive experience with major expertise on SharePoint, SharePoint based development, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, .Net Platform and Microsoft BI. He is currently working Sr Microsoft Consultant at Olive + Goose. He is MCT Regional Lead for Pakistan Chapter since 2012. He is working on SharePoint for past 12 years and worked on different intranet/intranet solutions for private & govt. sector majorly in United states and Gulf region and have experience of working with multiple Fortune 500 companies. He is a trainer, technology evangelist and also speaks in community forums.

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One reply on “SharePoint Migration detail overview”

  • bitley t
    March 29, 2023 at 10:36 am

    Great article on SharePoint Migration! It’s important to consider all the factors you mentioned, especially the source and destination environment compatibility, content scope, timeline, tools and methods, security and compliance, and user experience. I also appreciate the overview of different ways to perform SharePoint migrations, from manual migration to using third-party tools and the SharePoint Migration API. Each method has its pros and cons, and it’s important to choose the right one based on the size and complexity of the migration. Looking forward to reading your series of blogs on SharePoint migration