In a previous blog post I discussed new and improved SharePoint 2016 features, migration paths, and hardware/software requirements, when preparing for SharePoint 2016 upgrade. Here I share a checklist that would help you confirm that you follow all steps necessary to prepare for an upgrade, start the upgrade, and perform post-upgrade steps.
The basic steps are discussed as under –
- Prepare detailed inventory of environment
- Clean up old environment
- Test content
- Prepare destination environment and analyze new environment configurations
- Communicate with users
- Start migration
- Read only mode until migration completes
- Post migration, third party tools and resources
Prepare detailed inventory of environment
It is always beneficial to have a detailed inventory of all assets and customizations. This helps in making better decisions and estimates as you prepare for the migration process.
Clean up old environment
Prior to the upgrade, it is essential to clean up the old environment including any unnecessary data, web parts, etc. It may take some time but it allows you to get away with any orphaned sites/data and re-organize useful things.
Test the process
This stage includes testing all the components to check all things are well-organized or if there are any issues there in.
Prepare destination environment and analyze new environment configurations
This step includes planning and structuring new home, according to the requirements:
- Mapping destination’s architecture
- Optimization of new SharePoint server’s performance
- Configuration of all web applications
- Back up everything
- Checking databases for corrupt data and run a test migration
- Mapping a plan for the metadata of content
Communicate with users
Persuading users to accept the migration is one of the major challenges. To make it successful, you will need to make sure they know what is going on and why. Share estimated timeline of your migration efforts.
Start migration
- If migrating from SharePoint 2013 on premises, perform database attach upgrade to bring everything “as-is” and use a third party tool to granularly migrate and restructure as you move.
- If migrating from an earlier SharePoint version, strongly consider third party tools. The use of these tools, combined with “Paragon’s SharePoint & migration expertise”, will help any client gain control over their migration & help them put in custom efforts suiting the needs.
Read only mode until migration completes
Putting the system in read-only mode until migration completes is also an important aspect. This ensures that the product is delivered only when it is ready, and no room for confusions.
Post migration, third party tools and resources
The post migration process includes time to time review, regular communication with users, and efforts involved in making the migration successful.
