How To Migrate To SharePoint 2016 Smoothly
The 2016 version of SharePoint features an extensive suite of improvements to the user experience, implementation process, and post-deployment support. Nevertheless, migrating to it is trickier and a bit challenging. Here we learn how to make the migration a smooth and painless process.
When migrating to SharePoint 2016 makes sense for you
If you have SharePoint 2010 or an earlier version and if you feel your current solution is not supporting your business processes adequately, you can think of migrating to SharePoint 2016. Similarly, the said migration makes sense when you are on SharePoint 2013 and would like to enhance the user experience or promote sales.
It is important to note that Microsoft does not support SharePoint 2010 or the earlier versions. Hence no patches and updates are released when needed. Also, these versions are obsolete in terms of their user experience and developmental capabilities. You can immensely benefit from the latest collaboration features like Community Sites and Community Portals, revamped Newsfeeds and MySites, enhanced apps and mobile views besides several others.
Also, some of the other advantages of SharePoint 2016 for businesses include durable links, cloud hybrid search capabilities, and mobile apps. Over and above, the all new data loss prevention feature on SharePoint 2016 allows the administrators to monitor locate and protect the sensitive data across the entire site collections.
The challenges of migrating to SharePoint 2016
Direct migration from SharePoint 2010 to SharePoint 2016 is not possible. You must use a third-party solution to do this or follow the two-step process of first migrating from SharePoint 2010 to 2013 and then migrating from SharePoint 2013 to 2016.
The highly customized solutions could be at risk. Most companies do not use completely out-of-the-box solution. Nevertheless, the risk is almost 100% when attempting to migrate from SharePoint 2010 or for the solutions that will need custom branding.
Custom mobile SharePoint views adopters can come across the same problem as they will require additional tuning and adjustments to ensure their smooth performance after migration.
In some cases, the migration can prove to be time consuming and expensive.
Steps to a smooth migration process
Though migrating to SharePoint 2016 is a highly technical process, a few steps taken well in advance to prepare for a smooth transition can make the job easier and more effective. It is essential for the developers to carry out the technical tasks in the right way within a short time.
Make an assessment of the present solution
Assess the various features of the present solution including the extent of customization and the complexity of performance, branding, existing gaps, and user buy-in.
Develop a suitable migration architecture
While migrating to SharePoint 2016, it is essential to sustain the present and upgraded solutions at the same time. Hence you will need a separate farm to carry out the migration so that the user’s activities are not interrupted.
Examine the present content databases
In order to ascertain the future of migration and bring out the critical defects, you must first examine the present content database. Damaged or unmanaged content bases must be set right before the start of the migration process.
Develop a systematic migration strategy
Each of the consecutive steps of the migration process must be based on the findings of the earlier stages. During and after the migration process, make sure that you have outlined all the activities to accomplish.