A smooth Microsoft 365 migration starts with the inventory: mailboxes, aliases, shared mailboxes, and DNS records. If you don't map these up front, surprises happen during cutover.
Plan a staged migration when possible. Validate authentication, test mail flow, and confirm mobile/desktop clients before moving everyone at once.
DNS changes are often the biggest source of downtime. Document current records, reduce TTL values ahead of time, and make the cutover in a controlled window.
After migration, enforce MFA, review mailbox forwarding rules, and ensure backups are in place for M365 data. Migration is a great time to improve security posture.
Key takeaways
- Inventory mailboxes, aliases, shared mailboxes, and DNS records before you touch anything.
- Prefer staged migrations and validate authentication + mail flow early.
- Plan DNS cutover with reduced TTL and a controlled change window.
- Post-cutover: enforce MFA, audit forwarding rules, and confirm backups.
Recommended services
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Email/Domain Migration
Seamless migration of your email systems and domains with minimal disruption to your daily operations.
Managed IT Services
Continuous monitoring and proactive maintenance that prevents problems before they impact your operations.
IT Consulting (vCIO)
Strategic IT leadership and planning that aligns your technology investments with your business goals and growth trajectory.
Sources and References
- Microsoft 365 Migration Guide(Microsoft Learn)
- Exchange Online Best Practices(Microsoft)
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