How to Migrate from AppRiver to Office 365?

• 08 August 2025
• Office 365 Migration
• Written by Justin Greaves

AppRiver is a software company that specializes in cloud-enabled security and productivity services. They offer email and web security solutions, such as SaaS-based anti-spam software, email encryption, information archiving, and secure file share services. As a Tier 2 Microsoft distributor, they also offer Microsoft 365/ Office 365 productivity solutions.

Many businesses use AppRiver services for their Exchange hosting and Office 365 licensing. In most cases, this is because as a Value-Added Reseller (VAR), AppRiver offers certain products and services as add-ons to Office 365. However, as businesses learn that there are additional complexities involved with AppRiver Office 365 hosting, they look for solutions on how to migrate from AppRiver to Office 365, which is what we will address in this article.

What Is AppRiver and How Does It Work?

AppRiver is a SaaS provider that delivers cloud-based email and web security solutions for businesses. Its key offerings include email threat protection, encryption, secure file sharing, and compliance-driven archiving.

With a focus on simple deployment, AppRiver helps safeguard organizations against spam, phishing, malware, and ransomware. It also provides 24/7 support and actionable threat intelligence. Many businesses rely on AppRiver for secure email hosting and regulatory compliance.

As organizations grow, they often look for greater control and deeper integration with Microsoft 365 tools. This shift has led to a rising number of AppRiver to Office 365 migrations. Transitioning to Office 365 enables businesses to consolidate services, lower costs, and improve productivity within a single Microsoft ecosystem.

AppRiver vs Microsoft Office 365: What’s the Difference?

When evaluating whether to migrate from AppRiver to Office 365, it’s helpful to understand how the two platforms compare across key areas. The table below highlights the main differences to help guide your decision:

Feature/Aspect	AppRiver	Microsoft Office 365
Security	Spam and malware protection, encryption, and archiving	Advanced threat protection with seamless integration
Productivity Tools	Limited to email and file sharing	Full suite including Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive
Integration	Compatible with various email platforms	Deep integration across Microsoft services
Customer Support	24/7 live support with strong customer service	Varies by plan; extensive self-help and documentation
Deployment	Quick setup, well-suited for small to mid-sized businesses	Enterprise-grade; may require more planning and configuration
Pricing/Value	Competitive for security-centric needs	Scalable pricing with greater value for broader functionality
Market Position	Specialized provider for email security	Industry leader in productivity and collaboration

Common Reasons to Switch from AppRiver to Office 365

Many organizations are choosing to migrate from AppRiver to Office 365 as their business and IT needs evolve. Below are the most common reasons driving this shift:

• Access to Productivity Tools: Office 365 includes a full suite of applications such as Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, which support improved collaboration and day-to-day efficiency.
• Cost Advantages: Office 365 plans purchased directly from Microsoft are often more cost-effective than AppRiver’s value-added offerings, which may include extra fees for support and onboarding.
  
• Greater Administrative Control: Managing Office 365 directly gives organizations more control over settings, security policies, and user access, eliminating the limitations imposed by third-party resellers.
• Advanced Security and Compliance: Office 365 offers enterprise-grade protections with tools like Microsoft Defender and Purview, helping businesses meet strict compliance and data security requirements.
• Seamless Integration: Office 365 works smoothly with other Microsoft services and popular third-party applications, enabling streamlined workflows and supporting broader digital transformation goals.
• Scalability: Office 365 can easily scale with the organization, whether adding users, expanding locations, or transitioning to hybrid work models.

How to Migrate from AppRiver Hosting Services to Office 365?

The migration path from AppRiver to Office 365 depends on the current service that the organization is using. Below are the paths businesses typically take to migrate from AppRiver to Office 365.

• Purchase a new Office 365 subscription and then transfer their mail and calendar information from one mailbox to the other.
• Migrate their mailboxes directly from the hosted Exchange Server with AppRiver to Office 365.
• Migrate from AppRiver’s hosted Exchange solution to Office 365, which is resold by AppRiver. Then migrate from AppRiver Office 365 plans to the new Office 365 tenant.

It must be noted that the second option is most straightforward, and we will elaborate on how it is done.

How to Switch from AppRiver Email to Office 365?

If you have a hosted Exchange with AppRiver, here are the steps to be followed to migrate to Office 365.

• After you have purchased Office 365/ Microsoft 365 licenses, verify the domain in the admin center.
• Initiate a cutover migration from AppRiver hosted Exchange to Office 365.
• Assign Office 365/ Microsoft 365 licenses to users who need to be migrated from AppRiver.
• Update the DNS records to the settings suggested in Office 365 to redirect mail flow to the domain.
• If there are email profiles stored on computers and other devices, remove and update them with the Office 365 profiles.
• Once the DNS time to live (TTL) has expired, synchronize the AppRiver Exchange mailboxes with Office 365 for one last time to ensure that there are no pending emails.
• Create distribution and security groups in Office 365 and assign users appropriately.
• You can cancel your AppRiver email service after confirming that the new mailboxes are working properly and contain all the data.

Disadvantages of Using AppRiver Office 365/ Microsoft 365 Plans

Using the services of a VAR such as AppRiver is often a double-edged sword. While it does provide added features and often better prices than the vanilla product, it also could mean that businesses have to cede a certain degree of control over their resources. For example, if your employees upload files from personal devices that are not behind your firewall or covered by AppRiver SpanLab, these can become a back door for malicious payloads. However, with Microsoft Defender for Office 365 (previously Advanced Threat Protection), these threats can also be effectively neutralized, provided it is configured correctly.

Users also miss out on a range of productivity tools designed to enhance organizational performance. Switching to Microsoft 365 gives you access to resources like Microsoft MyAnalytics, To Do, and Project.

Migrate from AppRiver to an Alternate Office 365 Provider with Lower Prices

In addition to the above drawbacks, AppRiver Office 365/ Microsoft 365 plans can often be significantly more expensive than purchasing the same plan directly from Microsoft. This is because of their support model, which includes the cost of migration and onboarding apart from customer support.

As a Tier 1 Microsoft CSP, Apps4Rent can help you migrate from AppRiver email to Office 365/ Microsoft 365 at no additional cost to the price listed on the Microsoft website, and can customize the solution as per your requirements. Contact our Microsoft-certified Office 365 migration experts available 24/7 via phone, chat, and email for assistance.

Why Choose Apps4Rent for AppRiver to Office 365 Migration?

Migrating from AppRiver to Office 365 can be a strategic decision, but it requires the right expertise to ensure a smooth transition. Apps4Rent makes the process seamless by providing comprehensive support tailored to your business needs. As a Tier 1 Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP), we offer direct billing, priority access to Microsoft support, and expert technical guidance.

Our team has successfully helped thousands of organizations complete their AppRiver to Office 365 migration without service disruptions or data loss. We manage every step of the process, including domain verification, mailbox transfers, DNS updates, and post-migration validation, to ensure a secure and efficient migration.

What makes us different is our ability to provide personalized, hands-on assistance at no additional cost beyond Microsoft’s standard pricing. You receive all the advantages of working directly with Microsoft, along with the added flexibility and dedicated support of a trusted partner.

Whether you’re transitioning from AppRiver-hosted Exchange or AppRiver-managed Office 365 plans, Apps4Rent can simplify the migration, reduce complexity, and help set your business up for long-term success with Microsoft 365. Our certified migration experts are available 24/7 via phone, chat, or email to assist you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does AppRiver cost?

   AppRiver uses a custom pricing model based on selected services and user count. There is no free plan. Plans may be more expensive than direct Microsoft Office 365 subscriptions due to bundled support and migration services.

2. How much does it cost to migrate to Office 365?

   Migration costs vary depending on mailbox size, migration method, and whether a third-party service is used. Some providers like Apps4Rent offer migration at no extra cost beyond the Office 365 subscription price.

3. Can I transfer emails from AppRiver to Office 365 manually?

   Yes, emails can be manually transferred using Outlook’s Import/Export feature or IMAP migration. Manual migration is best for small-scale moves and may not include contacts or calendars.

4. Is there a migration tool for AppRiver to Office 365?

   Yes, third-party tools are available to automate email transfers. These tools support bulk migrations, filtering, and help reduce errors during large-scale moves.

5. How long does it take to migrate from AppRiver to Office 365?

   Migration time depends on user count, mailbox size, and the method used. Small migrations can take a few hours or days, while larger projects may take up to two weeks.