If your business currently uses GoDaddy-hosted email or other GoDaddy services, you may wonder if there’s a better way to manage communications and collaboration. As discussed in detail in our earlier blog, migrating to Microsoft 365 can streamline IT operations, enhance collaboration, and strengthen security without introducing unnecessary complexities. Here’s a closer look at why making the switch is beneficial, common challenges to be aware of, and the steps to follow for a successful GoDaddy to Microsoft 365 migration.
Before we begin, let us understand the potential roadblocks that may arise during the migration process.
Challenges of Migrating from GoDaddy to Microsoft 365:
- DNS & Domain Settings: One of the first hurdles is handling DNS and domain configurations. If these aren’t set up correctly, your email flow could be disrupted. Verifying your domain ownership in the Microsoft 365 admin centre is essential to ensure a smooth cutover. Accurately configuring DNS records helps minimise downtime and avoid confusion among users.
- Data Transfer and Email Migration: Another significant challenge is transferring emails, contacts, and calendars from GoDaddy to Microsoft 365. Without a solid backup or migration plan, there’s a risk of data loss. Larger teams with multiple shared mailboxes need a structured approach to avoid hiccups. Ensuring data integrity during the move is key to maintaining business continuity and employee productivity.
- User Adoption and Change Management: Introducing new tools, such as Teams or SharePoint, may require additional learning efforts for teams. Resistance to change can be common, especially if employees are already comfortable with GoDaddy’s interface. Clear communication, training sessions, and hands-on demos help people understand the benefits of Microsoft 365, encouraging a smoother adoption process.
- Licensing Overlaps: If you don’t map user roles carefully, it’s easy to end up with overlapping or unnecessary licenses. Additionally, forgetting to cancel certain GoDaddy services when starting a Microsoft 365 subscription can result in paying double for the same functionality. Identifying your exact licensing needs before migration ensures you only pay for what’s necessary, avoiding unexpected costs.
- Disruption and Downtime:Any instance of power outages or network interruptions during migration can result in data loss. There is also a risk of temporary email downtime during the transition phase, even with a well-planned approach. While DNS updates can be executed to reduce downtime, teams may still experience delays in email routing during the switchover.
- Limitations in Migration Tools: Both GoDaddy and Office 365 offer migration tools; however, they may have limitations regarding the types of data that can be migrated or the efficiency of the migration process.
How do you overcome these challenges? Simple. Follow a systematic step-by-step approach while paying attention to post-migration efforts.
Step-by-step of how to migrate from GoDaddy to Microsoft 365:
Set up your Microsoft account:
- Sign up on the website, select a plan, and verify your domain.
- Remember that you will need to add a specific TXT record to the DNS records through your GoDaddy account.
- After confirming the domain, proceed to create user accounts in Microsoft 365 for each member.
Prepare for data migration:
- Use the Microsoft 365 Admin Centre for a smooth data transfer. Simultaneously evaluate migration methods, considering the size of the business and the volume of emails.
- You can choose from Cutover migration, which is best suited for small businesses with fewer than 150 mailboxes, and this method carries out the migration in one step.
- Stage migration, which works well for larger organisations and migrates in batches, is followed by IMAP migration. If Exchange accounts are not utilised in the GoDaddy account, this approach allows for email transfers only.
The Actual migration: Emails, contacts and calendar.
- Microsoft provides valuable tools and guides for each type of migration. Consider them.
- IMAP Migration Guide: Sign in to Microsoft 365, under “Setup” select “Data migration”, choose the IMAP migration option and then enter GoDaddy email settings. Follow the prompts to import emails. Ensure that all emails, contacts, and calendars are accurately transferred and synchronised. Now test using user accounts in Microsoft 365 by sending and receiving emails.
Update your DNS records to point the email to Microsoft servers and double-check settings:
- Update: MX records to direct emails to Microsoft 365.
- Other necessary DNS records (e.g., SPF, DKIM).
Offer user training and support:
- Schedule training sessions on Microsoft 365 tools such as Outlook, OneDrive, Excel, and Teams, along with links to Microsoft’s training resources, or arrange for optional learning webinars.
- Establish internal support structures to address issues that may arise after migration.
Steps to follow post-migration:
- Regular backups can be achieved by setting up a routine for backing up emails and documents stored on Microsoft 365. While Microsoft 365 offers built-in redundancy, it’s prudent to have an additional backup plan using third-party applications.
- Post-migration, gather feedback on user experience and identify any persisting issues that need to be addressed. Regular performance monitoring will also help ensure that the system operates smoothly and meets business requirements.
- Issues that require advanced configurations can escalate, and Microsoft provides 24/7 customer support through various channels, including live chat and phone support. Capitalise on it.
- Periodic reviews of the Microsoft 365 setup and optimisation, as per evolving business needs, are a must.
Why Partner with Kloudify?
A well-planned GoDaddy to Microsoft 365 migration can save you money, enhance collaboration, and secure your valuable data. Don’t let the idea of a complex transition hold your business back from the tools you need to grow. As a trusted Microsoft Solutions Partner, Kloudify Microsoft 365 migration services specialises in helping Australian companies make smooth, cost-effective transitions. We tailor solutions to fit your specific requirements, ensuring that you get the most out of Microsoft 365 without overpaying for unnecessary features. We also bring a deep understanding of the Essential Eight controls, advanced threat protection, and other security best practices right from the start.
At Kloudify, our mission is to make enterprise-grade technology accessible and cost-effective;rank on top as the best Microsoft 365 migration support, Australia
Let’s work together and optimise your IT infrastructure, protect your data, and empower your team with the best collaboration tools, without any added complexity or budget surprises. Get in touch today!
