How to Migrate from File Server to OneDrive for Business?

• 06 August 2020
• Office 365 Migration

• Introduction
• When to Migrate File Server to OneDrive?
• How to Plan File Server to OneDrive Migration?
• What Content You Can Migrate from File Server to OneDrive?
• Strategic Content Allocation: What Goes Where?
• How to Migrate File Server to OneDrive for Business?
• Upgrade Your File Server to OneDrive Migration Process with Apps4Rent

Numerous businesses persist in utilizing cumbersome on-premises systems for storing even a negligible amount of data, encompassing documents, spreadsheets, and videos. These file servers pose an increasing challenge for maintenance. As organizations seek to optimize data management and collaboration, the file server to OneDrive migration proves to be a pivotal step.

In many instances, investing in and maintaining intricate on-premises servers for managing small data volumes needs economic and operational viability. This is particularly relevant for smaller enterprises with minimal internal or external file-sharing needs. Opting for cloud services presents a more cost-effective and secure alternative to hosting such content on private infrastructure.

When to Migrate from On-Premises File Server to OneDrive?

OneDrive for Business is an optimal solution for individuals seeking occasional file sharing. This platform serves as a repository for personal files that see infrequent use by other team members. It provides a storage solution for safeguarding business-related individual files, accessible from any location through compatible devices.

Here are vital scenarios where OneDrive for Business can seamlessly replace on-premises file servers, facilitating a smooth migration:

• Collaborative Document Storage

  Migrate to OneDrive from a file server for seamless collaboration on documents like meeting notes and drafts. OneDrive’s cloud-based nature ensures real-time access and editing, fostering efficient teamwork across locations.

• Data Accessibility Beyond Employment

  Undertake a file server to OneDrive migration to ensure continuous access to employee data post-employment. The cloud-based storage provides a secure, centralized repository, contributing to business continuity and simplified transitions.

• Efficient Document Collaboration

  OneDrive streamlines collaboration for small groups, allowing easy file sharing, real-time edits, and feedback. This minimizes email exchanges and ensures everyone works on the latest document version, making the file server to OneDrive migration process beneficial.

• Enhanced Security Requirements

  OneDrive offers additional security measures like access controls and encryption. Migrating from a file server to OneDrive enhances the protection of sensitive files, addressing security challenges often faced during the file server to OneDrive migration.

• Centralized Data Synchronization

  File server to OneDrive migration becomes crucial for centralized data synchronization across devices. Real-time synchronization ensures consistent access to files, promoting a smooth user experience when you migrate to OneDrive from a file server process.

How to Plan File Server to OneDrive Migration?

The process of file server to OneDrive migration involves careful planning and execution. It requires meticulously assessing existing file structures, permissions, and user access levels. Once this groundwork is established, the migration process can seamlessly transfer files and data to the cloud.

• Target Environment Design

  Always plan how you organize your files and folders in OneDrive to ensure a logical and efficient setup for the file server to OneDrive migration. Consider mapping between the file server’s directory structure and the corresponding organization in OneDrive. This involves deciding where each category of files and folders from the file server will reside in OneDrive during the migration to OneDrive from file server.

• Content Migration

  Evaluate the content stored on the file server when you’re planning to migrate file server to OneDrive process. Identify files that are redundant, outdated, or still relevant. You can archive or delete no longer needed files, reducing the migrated data volume. This step is crucial for optimizing the file server to OneDrive migration process and ensuring that only necessary and current data is transferred to OneDrive.

• User Onboarding Integration

  Integrate user onboarding into your migration plan. Communicate early and consistently with users about the upcoming file server to OneDrive migration. Clearly outline how the migration will impact users, including any changes to file access, collaboration features, or workflow during the migration. Provide training sessions or documentation to familiarize users with OneDrive functionalities. Proactive communication will help them adapt to the new system smoothly, minimizing disruptions to productivity.

• Security Setup

  Ensure a secure migration process by configuring appropriate security and access control settings in OneDrive. The goal is to mirror or enhance the permissions from the file server. This step is crucial for maintaining data integrity and confidentiality during the transition. Paying careful attention to security settings helps mitigate potential risks and ensures an effortless migration while preserving data access controls.

What Content You Can Migrate from File Server to OneDrive?

When gearing up for your file share migration, it’s crucial to understand the ins and outs of what gets moved and what stays behind when leveraging the SharePoint Migration Tool.

Can Be Migrated	Can’t Be Migrated
Documents	Conversion of embedded URLs in content
Files under 15 GB	Inaccessible or corrupted documents
User-level file and folder permissions	Explicit deny permissions
File and folder structure	Windows hidden attributes on file and folder
Site, document, and folder metadata	Files or folders exceeding current SharePoint restrictions and limitations

Strategic Content Allocation: What Goes Where?

When planning file server to OneDrive migration, consider how it enhances user collaboration and facilitates seamless content migration. Evaluate your current use of content stored in file shares. Determine whether a file is owned by a single user who shares it with others. If so, save it in OneDrive. OneDrive is inherently private, but you can easily share files, especially if you’re not working as a team.

For files or folders intended for team collaboration and to facilitate the file server to OneDrive migration, transfer them to a shared library where team members have automatic access. OneDrive conveniently grants access to all shared Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or Outlook libraries. When a new shared library for team files is needed, you can create one directly from OneDrive, invite members, and kickstart collaborative work.

How to Migrate File Server to OneDrive for Business?

OneDrive for Business is already a part of the SharePoint subscription in Microsoft 365. Moving data to OneDrive for Business is similar to File Server to SharePoint Online migration. Here are some of the methods that can be used for migration.

• OneDrive Sync

  The OneDrive Sync client is a powerful tool for migrating files from a file server to OneDrive. Its primary function is to synchronize files and folders stored on physical drives to the cloud, enabling users to work on them offline. This method is particularly effective for smaller file sizes, up to 100 GB. However, it’s worth noting that certain file types, such as TMP files and specific drives, may not be synchronized. Additionally, users can leverage third-party storage services integrated with Microsoft 365 for a more flexible approach to file Server to OneDrive migration.

• SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT)

  The SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) is another viable option for migrating to OneDrive from a file server. It supports data transfer from file servers, network shares, local file shares, and older on-premises SharePoint Servers to OneDrive for Business. Despite its utility, SPMT does have limitations. Users commonly encounter challenges related to permission mapping, issues opening specific file types, and other errors, especially when dealing with complex scenarios and large datasets.

• Third-Party Migration Tools

  When native tools fall short, businesses may opt for third-party migration solutions for an uninterrupted file Server to OneDrive migration. These tools are designed to address gaps in functionality and ensure a smoother transition. However, businesses must exercise caution when selecting third-party tools, as the available features vary significantly. While these tools provide additional capabilities, troubleshooting issues may still require the expertise of a migration specialist familiar with the intricacies of migrating to OneDrive from a file server.

Upgrade Your File Server to OneDrive Migration Process with Apps4Rent

Looking to enhance your data security and collaboration and reduce costs? If you’re considering migrating your file server to OneDrive, Apps4Rent is here to help. OneDrive for Business is a solid alternative to traditional on-premises file servers. It provides a standalone plan and a more comprehensive solution when bundled with Microsoft 365. This upgraded plan includes the powerful SharePoint Online service and essential applications like Teams, Excel Online, and Word Online.

As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, Apps4Rent offers comprehensive migration services for a seamless transition from your file server to OneDrive. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 through phone, chat, and email to support you. Contact us today to explore the best Office 365 plans tailored to your business needs.