Migrating from Google Workspace to Microsoft Office 365

When you have finally decided to migrate Google Workspace to MS Office 365, you may still be thinking twice. You may also weigh the pros and cons of both productivity tools. But, we assure you that once the migration is successful, your team members can expect a great experience with MS Office 365. So, as you continue reading, you will know how migrating from Google Workspace to MS Office 365 can benefit your organization. The article also takes you through the steps that will facilitate a smooth transition. 

Why migrate Google Workspace to MS Office 365?

There are many reasons to migrate Google Workspace to MS Office 365. Let’s check these in detail.

Many Desktop Applications
With time, many professionals are familiar with MS Office applications. These include MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and many more. Hence, working professionals no longer have to bother to be on a learning curve. They can use MS Office 365 to improve productivity within an agile workplace. 

Advanced Features
Numerous advanced features galore when you start using MS Office 365 applications. These help you accomplish complex tasks at a better pace. Professionals can present reports comprehensively with MS Excel and use PowerPoint for visually appealing presentations. 

Enhanced Security
Owing to the strong security features, MS Office can mitigate the occurrences of data loss. In addition, data is always secured due to advanced threat protection. So, once your team members start using MS Office 365, these features can be beneficial for sensitive data. 

Customization & Control
There are many options for customization available with MS Office 365. These can enable you to deliver a great user experience as the organization continues to grow ahead. Additionally, users can integrate third-party applications and use Microsoft Power Automate. This aspect helps to streamline diverse processes and foster an efficient work environment.

Offers Scalability
Microsoft 365 can easily be scaled up to accommodate the needs of a growing organization. As compared with Google Workspace, it’s easy to add users and features. The entire process is quite streamlined with MS Office 365. 

Offline Functionality
With the applications of Microsoft 365, professionals can work productively even when the internet connectivity is weak. This can benefit companies that may have to face the consequences due to an unsteady internet connection. The on-the-go experience is also incredible for those who constantly use Microsoft 365 on their smartphones. 

Apart from the above benefits, Microsoft Teams and SharePoint empower collaboration in a more competent way. These applications can be integrated with ease and within just a few clicks. 

What must you do before you start migrating from Google Workspace?

Before you move ahead with the Google Workspace to Office 365 migration, you must define the scope. You must also have a timeline in mind and stakeholder buy-in. Moreover, you have to spare some time in comprehending the needs at your workplace. To mitigate the turmoil after migration, you also must have a plan to present. Now, let’s quickly go through what you must do before commencing the migration.

• Always gain support from the stakeholders of your organization. This will help to migrate the Google Workspace smoothly. Way ahead, professionals who are using Office 265 must also be convinced about the benefits of using a new platform.
  
• Be sure about the number of apps professionals are using. This will help to map the workflow and features from G-Suite with the apps in Office 365. As an alternative, you can also follow a different approach for mapping.
  
• Subsequently, present the timeline and scope. In some cases, it’s possible to migrate everything in just a few options. But, we suggest you move ahead gradually and steadily. Considering a pilot migration can also help to understand the benefits of switching to Microsoft Office 365. 

What are the steps involved while migrating Google Workspace to Office 365?

#1 Set up a Google Service Account  

When you’re about to migrate G-Suite to Office 365, you must have a custom domain. Later, you must create a migration project well in advance. 

• Now, a service account needs to be created by following the path IAM & Admin > Service Accounts > Create Service Account.
  
• Click on ‘Continue’ followed by ‘Done’. These options will direct you to existing projects, and then you can Select the project. After this step, you have to click ‘Edit’ and note down the Unique ID visible on the Service account details page.
  
• Next, you have to click on  ‘Show Domain-Wide Delegation’ by ticking the checkbox.
  
• Click the back option of the web browser and go to the Service account details page. Once the page is displayed, you have to create a JSON file which can be downloaded automatically. 

#2 Offer access to the account

• Now navigate to the G-Suite Admin page. At that instance, you have to click on ‘Security’ and then on ‘Advanced Settings’ and ;Manage Domain Wide Delegation’. Once you view the list of API Clients, click on ‘Add New’.
  
• Once you see a prompt to enter the Client ID, you must type the Unique ID.
  
• Under the ‘OAuth Scopes’, you now have to list the products that you wish to migrate. Think about separating every product with a comma. For instance, if you want to migrate Google Calendar along with other features, you have to separate the links as below.

• https://mail.google.com/,
• https://www.googleapis.com/auth/calendar,
• https://www.google.com/m8/feeds/,
• https://www.googleapis.com/auth/gmail.settings.sharing

In the end, you have to click on the option, ‘Authorize’.

#3 Routing the mail to Office 265

• When you come across the G-Suite Admin page, go to ‘Domains > Manage domains > Add a domain’. As soon as you enter the subdomain name, you need to verify the ownership.
  
• Next, you have to update the Mail Exchanger (MX) present in the Domain Name System (DNS).

#4 Give Users sufficient rights in Microsoft Office 365

When you know that professionals are going to use Microsoft 365, you have to give them enough rights. But, make sure that you don’t offer too many rights.

#5 Create Batches for Migration

Now, this is the final stage of migrating Google Workspace.

• In the admin center of Microsoft Exchange, go to ‘recipients > migration > New + > Migrate to Exchange Online’. Afterwards, you have to select the option ‘G-Suite Migration’.
  
•  As you move ahead, you have to upload the excel sheet containing the e-mail addresses of the users. But, you must make sure that the excel sheet is in CSV format.
  
• Later, you have to upload the JSON file and enter the relevant email ID.
  
• Now, click ‘Move Configuration’ and follow the steps under ‘Mail Routing to Office 365’. Moreover, you have to set the progress configuration by clicking on ‘Start the Batch’.

#6 Update the DNS

Once you view the ‘Synced’ status, update the DNS with the MX record. 

Conclusion

Finally, why not connect with iWebHost for migrating from Google Workspace to MS Office 365? As we have the expertise in seamless data transfer, we prioritize data security. Besides, we offer solutions to meet the unique needs of the business. We will ultimately facilitate efficient and smooth migration at an affordable price.