The process of SharePoint Migration includes migrating all your data and existing resources that are present on your current SharePoint or file share to a new or a different environment with usually, a better version. However, There are several reasons for a business to opt for a SharePoint Migration; and one of the initial reasons amongst these is for obtaining the advantages of the latest features, productivity tools, and collaboration that are included in the latest version. The choice of migrating to SharePoint entirely relies on your business requirements, plans, and goals.
SharePoint Migration Types
Your business can select one of the following alternatives that are ideal for you depending on your collaboration requirements and funds.Staying on SharePoint On-Premises
If you do not feel like changing the structure of your business, collaboration model, and IT environment and plan; you can choose to stay on SharePoint On-premise to continue using your software without significant modifications for years. Also, With this alternative, you do not have to worry about data security and compliance as your business data will be stored on-premises. You can continue to update your SharePoint version with Microsoft-supported updating methods to fulfill the increasing requirements of users. SharePoint can also be used on a Hosted Virtual Desktop to increase accessibility.Advantages of Migrating to SharePoint On-Premises
- It provides a more reliable solution to secure your confidential business data.
- It saves customizations particular to your business requirements.
Disadvantages of Migrating to SharePoint On-Premises
- It requires a physical server, dedicated funds, hardware support, and staff for management.
- Migrating directly by skipping multiple versions can be complicated.
- Extra efforts required to get use to the features; that are available with the updated version.
- Specific advantages like hub sites, home sites; and spaces available in the online version are not available even in the newest On-Premises version of SharePoint.
Online version
However, SharePoint Online is a cloud-based solution that provides businesses all the advantages of the cloud which include anytime-anywhere accessibility, easy management, and great savings on costs. It frees you from the difficulty and expense of managing your hardware environment as well as staff and relieves you from timely updates and maintenance. Hence, it is practical for businesses with fewer funds and those which do not require customizations.Advantages of Migrating to SharePoint Online
- It is a notably cost-efficient alternative with no up-front payment for staff and infrastructure.
- Best for businesses that do not have a dedicated team to handle SharePoint operations.
- Also, Enables all the advantages of cloud including automated version updates, improved collaboration, easy external user management, cost-efficiency; and specific functionalities that are unavailable on the On-premise versions like Delve, PowerApps Flow, and Microsoft Graph, etc.
Disadvantages of Migrating to SharePoint Online
- Although, With notable differences in functionalities; you have to remove your MySites if any as an On-Premises user or restructure them into SharePoint sites.
- Businesses with confidential data might feel less secure storing it in the cloud.
- Ongoing monthly subscriptions are not preferred as compared to a one-time purchase.