As we know, SharePoint Online is a cloud-based service with more advanced features and better security than the previous SharePoint 2010, so it is the best choice for organizations who want to upgrade their IT infrastructure. But, migration from SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint Online can be an Everest-winning task. So, in this article, we will discuss the steps to migrate SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint Online.
Why do we need to migrate to SharePoint Online?
There are numerous good reasons to migrate SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint Online, which are as follows:
- Firstly, SharePoint Online is a cloud-based service through which users can access their data from anywhere and on any device without any problem.
- SharePoint Online is a new version, so, in general, it has more advanced features than the previous SharePoint.
- As SharePoint Online is a cloud-based platform, users have to pay only for what they are using, and it does not require any additional hardware investment.
- SharePoint Online has better security features.
The first method to migrate SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint Online
So, the first method we will utilize is the SPMT (SharePoint Migration tool). It is a software which is offered by Microsoft.
- First, install & open SPMT.
- Then, click on the Start new migration option.
- Select the SharePoint server (2010) as your source and go to Site Migration.
- Then, enter the details for your SharePoint server.
- And log in with your email and password for the server.
- Then, select whether you’re migrating the parent site or its sub-sites.
- And enter your SharePoint online URL in the mailbox link field.
- Then, enter a name for your migration batch.
- Finally, check all & click “Migrate Now.”
Things to keep in mind while using the SPMT
Even though the process seems simple, it has some cons:
- SPMT sometimes fails with large data sizes due to the size limitation.
- Also, the process takes time, which is not that convenient for busy organizations.
- Unfortunately, it doesn’t support any filters or personalization features.
- There are chances of losing data, so always keep a backup before starting the process.
- Also, the process needs some good tech skills. If you don’t have it, don’t use it.
Migrate SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint Online: The second method.
So, in my opinion, the simplest and best way to migrate SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint Online is by using any professional tool. But the process itself is a tough task, so it needs a good tool. If I had to choose one, then the Shoviv SharePoint Migration tool would be my choice for this task. The software is filled with all the required features, and the interface of the software is super simple to use, so a newbie can also migrate their SharePoint.
Features of this SharePoint Migrator
- The software provides a scheduling feature that allows you to schedule the migration on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
- The software provides users with the feature to migrate SharePoint data to multiple cloud servers or popular file formats to import them from one place to another.
- Also, the tool can migrate multiple sites at the same time with ease.
- The software provides users the ability to track the complete process from the dashboard and verify whether or not all pieces of data have been migrated.
- And additionally, there is a free version of the software available, which allows users to test the software in every way by migrating the data of 20 kb.
Migrate SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint Online in simple steps.
- Install & launch the Shoviv SharePoint Migrator tool and go to the Create Connection tab.
- Now, enter your project name & then authenticate your SharePoint server login.
- Then, click on the Create Job tab from the ribbon bar >> choose the Create Migration job.
- Then, give a Job name & select the connection that you have created as your source, and click next.
- After that, utilize the filter and schedule options as per your requirement, then click next.
- Lastly, click next to initiate the migration process.
Wrap up
Here in this write-up, we have explained the two methods of migrating SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint Online. The first method is to utilize the SPMT, which is appropriate for small migrations. Yet, if you have to migrate a big piece of data, then a professional tool like Shoviv’s migrator proves to be super useful because this tool offers more sophisticated features and an easy interface to make the migration smooth.