Knowledge base

August 25, 2025

Microsoft 365 Migration – Avoid Frustrations

 

Did you know that 50% of SMBs indicate that “employee resistance” is the biggest stumbling block in a Microsoft 365 migration? In a recent poll on LinkedIn conducted by ALTA-ICT, participants indicated that not only technical issues, but especially human and organizational factors complicate the migration.

A move to Microsoft 365 is meant to help you work more efficiently and communicate better together. Yet for many companies, this process is accompanied by frustration, data loss and downtime. It doesn’t have to be that way.

At ALTA-ICT we have a structured, Dutch approach that avoids these pitfalls and ensures demonstrable ROI. In this blog, we share exactly why migrations go wrong and how we do it differently.

What is a Microsoft 365 migration and why is it essential?

A Microsoft 365 migration is the process of moving your existing IT systems – such as email, documents and collaboration platforms – into the Microsoft cloud environment. This gives you access to tools such as Outlook, Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive, available anytime, anywhere.

Why is this so important in the Netherlands?

  • ✅ Increasing hybrid work models

  • ✅ Compliance with AVG/GDPR

  • ✅ Collaborating more efficiently within SMEs

  • ✅ Lower management costs and higher uptime

Yet experience shows that many companies are insufficiently prepared. No plan, no training, no support. This leads to resistance, frustration and delay.

 

Roadmap: This is how to implement Microsoft 365 without misery

Step 1: Inventory and planning

✔️ Full IT scan
✔️ Stakeholder analysis
✔️ Custom migration roadmap
✔️ Compliance check (ISO27001, NEN7510)

Step 2: Migration preparation

✔️ Data mapping and permission management
✔️ Pilot testing and rollback plan
✔️ Set up Teams, SharePoint, Exchange
✔️ Set up support structure

Step 3: Phased implementation

✔️ Minimum downtime
✔️ Communication plan for users
✔️ Data transfer and validation
✔️ Performance monitoring

Step 4: Adoption and optimization

✔️ Customized training for employees
✔️ Support desk available in Dutch
✔️ 24/7 monitoring and feedback loops
✔️ Continuous optimization

 

Where do SME migrations often go wrong?

🔴 50% of companies struggle with employee resistance
🔴 21% cite unclear costs
🔴 14% experience data loss
🔴 14% experience lack of planning

Causes:

  • Insufficient communication and explanation

  • No user involvement

  • No training or guidance

  • Technology first, man forgotten

Consequences:

  • Less use of Teams/SharePoint

  • Shadow IT (Google Drive, Dropbox)

  • Unsafe workarounds

  • Costly delays and inefficiencies

 

ROI: What does a good migration yield?

💰 Up to 35% lower management costs
📈 Productivity increase up to 28%
🔒 100% AVG/NEN compliance provable
📊 Fewer tickets/support after implementation

At ALTA-ICT, we combine technical implementation with people-oriented adoption programs, based on proven models and Dutch regulations.

 

Our approach: why ALTA-ICT works differently

At ALTA-ICT, we use an ISO27001-certified method specifically tailored to Dutch SMEs:

✅ Full control of the process
✅ Local project support (Dutch-speaking team)
✅ Compliancy with AVG/NEN7510
✅ Accessible training for employees
✅ 24/7 support after going live

We make sure your employees not only can work with Microsoft 365, but also want to use it.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. How long on average does a migration take?
On average, 3-6 weeks for SMEs with <250 employees.

2. What if employees don’t want to transfer?
We offer adoption programs with workshops, coaching and feedback sessions.

3. Can we lose data?
No. We work with backups, validations and rollback options.

4. What does it cost?
We offer fixed project pricing based on IT size and number of users.

5. Is ALTA-ICT certified?
Yes, we are ISO27001, ISO9001 and NEN7510 certified.

 

Conclusion

A successful Microsoft 365 migration is not just about technology, but more importantly about human adoption and careful planning. Many companies underestimate the impact of change and end up with frustration.

ALTA-ICT helps you migrate without chaos, without data loss, and with the support of your team. Want to know where your organization stands now?

👉 S chedule a free Microsoft 365 scan with an expert now: alta-ict.co.uk/DemoBooks

 

Reference

¹https://www.linkedin.com/posts/altaict_cloudmigratie-migratie-microsoft365-activity-7356549178619011072-eZNY

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