Why do people buy new products? It’s usually because their product stopped working or because a new version has better features. The iPhone 14 can even tell if you’ve gotten in a car crash and connect you to 911! There’s no denying it: technology advancements have skyrocketed in recent years.
And when it comes to business software, the latest and greatest is Microsoft Office 365. But with any new technology, there are bound to be challenges when you implement it. If you’ve been worried about your upcoming Microsoft Office 365 migration or you just want to learn more about it, read on.
Why Are Organizations Moving to Microsoft Office 365?
Before we dive into any challenges, let’s first understand why organizations choose to migrate to M365 in the first place.
Increased Collaboration: Team members can work on projects in real time and have instant access to one another’s edits thanks to cloud storage.
Enhanced Security: M365 offers advanced security features like cyberattack simulations and MFA/SSO to protect your data and prevent unauthorized access.
Anywhere, Anytime Access: Only 6% of workers want to be fully in-person at their jobs. M365’s cloud storage allows employees to work from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easier for remote workers or team members who travel frequently.
Advanced Digital Transformation Tools: M365 includes a range of tools, like Power BI (data visualization) and SharePoint, to help your employees save time and understand customers better.
What Are The Common Challenges Companies Face When Trying to Migrate?
You wouldn’t be able to fully appreciate the good if it didn’t come with some bad, right? We remember our moms saying something like that to us when we got cut from Little League.
Here are some common challenges we see in Microsoft Office 365 migrations:
User Adoption and Change Management: This can be a tricky one because you have to train employees on how to use the new software AND encourage them to actually use it. It’s important to properly communicate the benefits of the new technology and offer training resources.
Data Migration: Moving your current data over to the cloud can be a headache, especially if you have a lot of it that needs to be organized and categorized properly for M365 use. This is where having an experienced IT team or partner comes in handy because they can ensure a smooth transition of your data without losing any important information.
Network Infrastructure: Your network needs to be able to support M365’s cloud storage, so it’s important to make sure your internet is reliable and has enough bandwidth to handle the new technology.
Things to Keep in Mind When Considering Microsoft Office 365 Migration
But don’t let the challenges scare you! The positives far outweigh the negatives. Follow these tips and you’re sure to have a smoother transition.
- Communicate clearly and often with your team about the migration process, any potential changes or challenges, and how it will benefit them in their work. Help them understand that the tools and security features in M365 will make their job easier and safer.
- Ensure that you have a dedicated IT team or support to handle any technical issues before, during, and after the migration. The help of a managed service provider is invaluable because it can prevent data loss and expensive downtime ($5,600 a minute to be exact).
- Provide training and continued support for your employees to ensure they are comfortable and confident in using the new technology.
- Take advantage of Microsoft’s free resources and support during the migration process.
Migrate to Microsoft Office 365 with Stability Networks
In the end, Microsoft Office 365 migration is absolutely worth it. The enhanced collaboration, security, and access are too good to pass up—it just takes planning and patience. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or want to strategize with an expert, our team at Stability Networks can help.
We’re a national provider of IT support and managed services, with a focus on cloud solutions like M365. Our team can help with the planning, communication, and execution of your migration so you can get all the benefits with as few challenges as possible. Schedule a consultation for your current IT setup and learn about how a 365 migration can help you be a better business owner.
