Office 365 Migration

Migration always is the first step into the Cloud. You need a migration plan, but also the right tools to implement. The Layer2 Cloud Connector can help to pre-select documents and structured data in a flexible manner using SQL-like data queries to include or exclude specific items to/from the migration. Metadata can be added by default, or optionally using your own business logic in C#. 100+ systems are supported as data source for migration, such as Windows file server or NAS, Azure File Storage, SharePoint on-premises, SQL databases, ERP/CRM systems, and more.

Features and benefits

Document Migration to SharePoint Online

Simply create a connection between a file share and a SharePoint document library based on pre-defined templates and connect your files one-way or even two-way. Subfolders are created by default. Metadata can be mapped automatically or manually, if required. All kinds of SharePoint Document Libraries are supported including in Teams, Groups, OneDrive for Business, and others. You can migrate documents from a local file server or NAS as well as Azure File Storage, or local SharePoint.

 

Data Migration to SharePoint Online

100+ data sources can be directly connected for migration, such as SQL databases, ERP/CRM/CMS systems, and other apps. Use SQL, OData, or XPath to pre-select your data, depending on the source system. Map your data fields between source and target system automatically or manually. You can connect one-way (for migration or backup), or even two-way.

Advanced Features can make the difference

Create your connections automatically based on the source structure using PowerShell. Make use of Dynamic Columns to cleanup, transform, or translate your source data to meet the requirements of the target system using your own business logic in C#. Quickly identify possible issues with path length or file names. Make use of flexible options for data migration, including Fast Migration Mode. One tool for all requirements can provide you with all options you need.

How it works

 

Screenshot of Layer2 Cloud Connector connection manager with a connection sample.
Screenshot of Layer2 Cloud Connector connection manager while entering a connection string.
Acreenshot of Layer2 Cloud Connector connection manager view when all fields are filled.
Screenshot of mapping sample in Layer2 Layer2 Cloud Connector Mappings.
Screenshot of sample logs in Layer2 Cloud Connector.

What you need

You can use the Layer2 Cloud Connector for data and file migration to Microsoft Office 365.

 

Office 365 Data and document migration FAQs

What makes the Layer2 solution unique?

The Layer2 Cloud Connector can be used to migrate not only files, but also structured data from 100+ typically used enterprise apps to the cloud. Migration is just one use case. It can also be used for backup or permanent two-way connection.

How much is it to migrate 100GB?

There are 3 fully-featured Layer2 Cloud Connector Editions available. The pricing start from 399€ for the one-time fee Personal Edition up to 2590€ for the one-stop-shop solution - the Enterprise Edition. The licensing is generally per installation. There are no additional costs related to the number of documents or items, data volume, number of connections, or users. Besides, the license is not bound to any specific connected system, site, url, or tenant.

How long does it take to migrate my file share?

Depends on settings and configuration. Typically expect an overhead of some seconds per file, additional to the upload time depending on file size. The system will display rough estimations, continuously updated based on history. Take a look at our results for reference. Apply the Layer2 Data Provider for Office 365 whenever possible for ultra-fast document migration.

What about metadata migration?

Some pre-selected document meta data columns are exposed by default and can be mapped to SharePoint columns for migration. Other meta data can be exposed by SharePoint itself. If appropriate columns are available in the library, it will be propagated automatically. You can also add custom metadata using Dynamic Columns and C# to retrieve from SQL databases, DMS/CMS, ERP/CRM, or NTFS.

 

What about migrating users?

Please use Microsoft standard tools to migrate or federate your domain users. The Layer2 Cloud Connector comes with full support for standard authentication ("Microsoft Account"), authentication via Active Directory Federation ADFS ("Organizational Account"), and also custom authentications, such as used in the educational sector. You can also translate user meta data from local to cloud using Dynamic Columns and C# based on rules or lookup lists.

 

How to migrate access rights?

Access rights in NTFS and SharePoint are very different and can't be automatically translated. Best to create SharePoint sites and libraries on department or project level and assign access rights manually or automatically via PowerShell before migration. During migration newly created documents and items inherit access rights from the parent containers of the target system. 

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Migration is just the first step on the way to benefit from the cloud. Integration is the next one. Connect your new cloud to your enterprise now.