Phased transition from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365

There is no shortage of tools to help your organization move forward in our digital world. Two heavyweights in this battle for productivity are Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. More and more organizations are considering the move to Microsoft 365. Why? Functionalities are more extensive and integration is seamless. But how do you ensure a smooth transition without bogging down your team? ALTA-ICT shares five focal points for a phased transition from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365. And we immediately juxtapose the pros and cons!

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Google Workspace vs Microsoft 365

Google Workspace has its advantages: it’s easy to use, flexible and well integrated with popular apps like Gmail and Google Drive¹. But Microsoft 365 offers a more robust ecosystem, with tools like Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint working perfectly together. Moreover, Microsoft 365 excels in data management, security and licensing². This is how you really take a professional step as an organization.

But first, let’s look at a comparison between Google’s and Microsoft’s tools:

Functionality
	Google Workspace	Microsoft 365
Real-time collaboration	✅	✅
Advanced security	❌	✅
Applications for offline work	❌	✅
Device Management (MDM)	✅ (with certain licenses)	✅
Unlimited cloud storage	❌ (premium only)	✅ (with certain licenses)
Ecosystem integration	✅ (Google apps)	✅ (Windows & more)

The table shows that Microsoft 365 offers more advanced capabilities in security, storage and offline use. Now that you know what makes the platform unique, let’s move on to a flawless, phased implementation of the switch.

Five steps for a quick migration to Microsoft 365

Moving from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 can feel like a leap of faith³. We make it a warm bath. With the right approach³, we make your organization more efficient.

Step 1: Analyze your current situation

Before you make the switch, it’s important to take a good look at your current work environment. What Google Workspace tools do you use on a daily basis? Think Gmail, Drive, Meet, and even calendars. You also want to understand how your team works: what workflows absolutely must remain in Microsoft 365? By taking stock of your current situation, you can make targeted choices.

Tip from ALTA-ICT: Discover that shared documents in Drive are essential to your collaboration. Migrate that data to OneDrive or SharePoint as a priority.

Step 2: Create a migration plan

Good preparation is half the battle. Decide how you want to handle the transition. There are several ways to do this:

Phased: Migrate one team or department at a time. This gives you time to test and adjust processes.
Big bang: Migrate everything at once, such as over a weekend. Suitable for smaller organizations.
Hybrid: Keep some Google tools running while you make the switch. This can be useful if your team depends on certain features.

Choose an approach that fits your organization size and complexity. Remember to set deadlines so that the project remains manageable.

Step 3: Involve your team and provide training

The most underestimated aspect of an IT migration is the impact on your team. For your employees, the transition often means a new way of working. Without support and the right guidance, there will be noise and resistance. That is disastrous for a migration. Therefore, plan training sessions and use clear manuals.

Tip from ALTA-ICT: Start with a pilot group of enthusiastic employees. They can guide the rest of the team and lower resistance.

Step 4: Migrate in stages and test extensively

Now that your plan is in place, begin the migration itself. First, transfer essential data, such as emails, calendars and shared files. After each phase, test that everything is working correctly. Make sure users can access their data and that features such as e-mail work.

Step 5: Optimize and keep supporting

Great, you’ve switched to Microsoft 365! But the work isn’t quite done yet. The first few weeks after the migration are crucial. Provide support for questions and bugs. Also use this period to further optimize your workflows and take full advantage of the benefits of Microsoft 365.

Phased migration with ALTA-ICT

Transitioning from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 doesn’t have to be complicated. By dividing the process into these five steps, you’ll maintain an overview and ensure a smooth implementation.

Need help? ALTA-ICT is here for you. We will guide you every step of the way and ensure that your organization can quickly and efficiently enjoy the benefits of Microsoft 365. Contact us today!

¹https://workspace.google.com/intl/nl/business/small-business/ ²https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-for-existing-subscribers ³https://alta-ict.nl/blog/google-workspace-vs-microsoft-365-welk-platform-kies-je/

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?
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