SharePoint has come a long way since its inception in 2001. Over the years, SharePoint has continued to offer quality document management and collaboration tools to over 160 million users across 75,000 customer organizations.
SharePoint 2016 comes with amazing new features. It provides improved performance and speed. By migrating to this new version, the administrators can configure only those user roles and privileges they want on particular SharePoint servers. The tool also allows the users to exceed the previous 2 GB limit for files. For this and many other reasons, many enterprises are planning to migrate to SharePoint 2016 leveraging SharePoint migration best practices.
Where a failure in the migration can be a huge step backwards, a successful migration can make the process seamless. The primary challenges and probable solutions in SharePoint migration are listed below:
1. Haphazard Information:
Though this is not related to the framework, lack of organized information can be a critical challenge during SharePoint migration.
The solution to this, is of course in keeping the information as organized as possible. This refers to information in the sites, respective libraries of the sites, lists within the sites, in content like: documents, images, spreadsheets, databases and in content layouts.
2. Storage of Data:
The second most challenging element in SharePoint Migration is lack of storage space for data. The solution to overcome this challenge is to keep a check on the storage available. The data has to be stored at optimum capacity before beginning the SharePoint 2016 migration process.
3. Bulk migration:
SharePoint 2016 migration with bulk data can be tough. In these cases, there is a stronger possibility of files getting corrupted and files do not reach the intended destination. This challenge does not have a quick solution. However, thorough planning and third party tools can help in making the process easier. It is the third party tools that are intuitive which help in determining the way in which content is put up for migration.
Improved Business Agility and Productivity:
The admin panel in the Magento 2.0 upgrade has a user friendly interface. Simplification of customizing and saving views, makes it easier for the merchants to access their important business information. This enables the merchants to manage their commerce activities easily. The operations on the platform can be optimized continuously.
4. Loss of Metadata:
Loss of data is a major challenge that can be won over with the application of SharePoint migration best practices. The best solution for overcoming this hurdle is having clarity and organization in terms of types in content storage well in advance.
5. Security:
Security is a major concern while migrating to SharePoint. While the content is stored in-house, you can have your own set of security tools. However, in the next stage of migration when the content is stored in the cloud, the same tools might not provide same security levels as earlier. Content needs to be double checked when it is in the cloud storage to ensure security.
Here are a few SharePoint migration best practices listed out below to help in a successful SharePoint 2016 migration
1. A content audit to minimize the extent of migration:
This practice absolves the outdated content from the system. This minimizes the extent of migration. As obvious a step as this may sound, many companies overlook this step. However, this can make a considerable impact. The less there is to migrate, the lesser the hassle!
2. Selecting the content migration method:
The methods of migrating content can be either Manual, Automated or a combination of both. Selecting the migration method can depend on many elements and the extent of feasibility. Where manual migration is simple yet monotonous, a right mix of Automated and Manual can work best.
3. Security check throughout the process:
If you are using a thorough automated method of migration, it will duly consider the security protocols of the old system. However, if you are using a manual migration method, you will have to adhere to the previous security policies with precision. Similarly, suitability to domain specifications has to be considered while moving content to the cloud.
4. After SharePoint 2016 migration:
SharePoint migration is a success only after completion of post migration tasks. This includes cleaning up page layouts, checking links, ensuring that the security and permissions are ok. Meeting the post migration tasks determines the success of the migration execution.
SharePoint Migration can be cumbersome. With the above best practices, you should be able to manage a successful SharePoint migration. If you would like to know more about Nous SharePoint Migration Services and SharePoint Development Services, then do leave an enquiry with us.