If you are looking to migrate from a lower version of Microsoft SharePoint to SharePoint 2013, then there are a number of steps and tasks that you need to consider to achieve a successful transition. And it doesn't matter how big or small your company is because with these tips, it is going to be easier for you: Just read on to find out more:
Never go at it alone
It is imperative to identify all site users and owners in detail. As the project starts, make sure that you build a team framework with the existing site owners and content owners. In fact, you will need them later on, especially when it comes to evaluating if the content needs migration, or testing the results of the entire migration process. And these people are also defined as owners, so you will want their buy-in and agreement when changes arise. Also, because user roles may change within your departments, it is imperative never to go at it alone.
Get executive agreement on policies such as governance
You should note that information governance policies are of utmost importance at the time of system migration. As such, you will want to get site owners and executives together in one room early in the project and have them all develop or review their policies. Does your organization have a records management manager? Have them involved from the start. They will come in handy especially when it comes to the kind of documents to keep or delete, or even migrate to the new environment.
Consider spring cleaning before you start migrating
You want to carefully inventory all the sites and also export a catalog of all the sites in your SharePoint environment. An excel catalog can allow you to do much as you put a site owner's name in a separate column. Make sure that you pay special attention to site customizations that may have been done because they will require some special handling. And it is possible to have sites that will call for significant modifications so as to operate under SharePoint 2013. You will need the help of IT support service providers in this one if you don't know where to start. Dead or irrelevant sites should be removed because you cannot afford to carry trash from an old site to the new one.
Create a virtual machine and install SharePoint 2013
People have the misconception that SQL servers for instance, have to be physical servers and that only the application servers should be virtualized. When it comes to SharePoint 2013, all the servers in there can be virtual machines. And there is something good about creating a virtual machine; there will be minimal latency and it is easy to upgrade RAM on a virtual machine. And a staging environment can really help when mirroring your production environment. You may also want to use ancillary software applications for monitoring and handling backups.
Keep your eyes on the horizon
At the time your site owners are cleaning up their sites, you can take charge on some of the required technical changes. And because the migration process is just about to start, you first need to get your technical ducks in a row. Also, make sure that you lock down any of the unnecessary changes or eliminate all of the changes that may force you to do double work later on. While at it, make sure that the content of your database is not split unless it is very important to do so. Professionals know very well how to handle this and also to prepare for DNS changes so that there will be a DNS pointing to the SharePoint server.
Don't surprise your users
You are advised to avoid causing unpleasant surprises to your user. So make sure that test and retest your system with them. Ensure that you involve general users, site owners and power users in a test of the sites used on the new SharePoint installation. Another good thing to do would be to dry run any updates and to prepare for any of the bad links especially those that break at cutover; they can be frustrating to your users and can make a rough launch process. You also want to verify groups, permissions, as well as permission levels before you import the sites and users. The next thing would be to map all the site templates such that the older ones exist in the new SharePoint 2013.
Timing and coordination is very important
People can easily overlook some important details especially in the heat final days. SharePoint search crawl should one thing that you should remember during the final days of your migration. Monitor your applications and make sure that you do the testing again with the help of pros. USWired Computer Networking Solutions offers quality IT support in Bay area and the surrounding regions. If you are looking for quality help with all IT matters, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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