Knowledge base
February 09, 2025
Migrating from Box to OneDrive during an M&A process
A merger or acquisition (M&A) involves many complex processes, and one of the biggest challenges is migrating data. If your organization is transitioning from Box¹ to OneDrive for Business², a well-developed plan is essential. In this blog, we share key steps and tips to ensure a smooth migration. ✅
Why migrate to OneDrive for Business?
OneDrive for Business offers several benefits that are perfect for businesses in transition:
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365: Think Teams, SharePoint and Office apps.
- Enhanced collaboration: Real-time collaboration on files.
- Scalability and security: Ideal for growing organizations.
The challenges during an M&A migration
There are additional factors involved in a merger or acquisition, such as:
- Sensitive data: How do you make sure confidential company data stays safe? 🔒
- Time and schedule: Migrations often need to be completed within tight deadlines.
⏱️ - Complex infrastructures: Combining IT systems is no small task.
Fortunately, a well-prepared approach is the key to success. 🚀
Roadmap: Successfully migrate from Box to OneDrive
- Audit of current data 📊
- Check what’s in Box: Which files are obsolete, duplicate or irrelevant?
- Determine which data has priority.
- Define a migration strategy 🗂️
- Choose which data to transfer first (for example, by team or department).
- Set clear rules for folder structures and access rights in OneDrive.
- Use the right tools ⚙️
- Provide a reliable platform that can handle large data sets without data loss.
- Automate where possible to minimize manual work.
- Test your migration process 🛠️
- Start with a small test group.
- Check that all files are properly migrated and accessible.
- Communicate and train your employees 👩💻👨💻
- Inform your teams about the changes and what to expect.
- Offer training on how to use OneDrive.
- Perform the full migration 🚛
- Schedule this during a period with minimal workload to minimize the impact.
- Monitor the process continuously and ensure that problems are resolved quickly.
- Post-migration monitoring ✅
- Verify that all data has been migrated correctly.
- Gather feedback from teams and make any adjustments.
Tips for a smooth transition
- Security first: Make sure data is encrypted during migration. 🔐
- Clear deadlines: Work with a tight schedule and keep everyone informed.
- Backing up: Back up your files in Box just to be sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to migrate files from Box to OneDrive without breaking links?
To keep hyperlinks intact during migration from Box to OneDrive, use a cloud migration tool with link-fix features. These tools migrate files and correct embedded links at the same time, so users do not experience broken hyperlinks after migration.
2. What are hyperlinks in Box files?
Hyperlinks are embedded links in files stored in Box or other cloud storage services. These links point to specific resources, such as web pages, other files, or external locations.
3. Is the migration from Box to OneDrive secure?
Secure migration is guaranteed by tools that use the OAuth authentication process. This token-based process provides limited and temporary access to data and metadata, keeping the migration process protected.
4. How do you minimize downtime during an M&A migration?
Minimize downtime by conducting a data audit, migrating in phases and testing the process in advance. Clear communication ensures teams stay prepared.
Conclusion: migration as part of growth
Migrating from Box to OneDrive for Business during an M&A process is an opportunity to optimize your IT infrastructure and make a fresh start. A structured approach and the right tools will ensure that this process runs smoothly and securely. 💼💻 Still have questions or need help with your migration project?
Let us know, and we will be happy to think with you! 😊 We also offer on-site training for Microsoft 365 to get your team up and running quickly!
References
¹https://www.box.com/home ²https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/onedrive/onedrive-for-business
About the author
My name is Alta Martes, a specialist in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, with a focus on modern workplace management, cloud security and identity & access management. With years of experience, I help organizations optimize their IT infrastructure and create a secure, efficient digital workplace. 🎯 Need help with your Microsoft 365 strategy?
Click below and find out how we can support your organization:
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