Your organization can perform email migration to Microsoft 365 or Office 365 from a variety of other systems. Administrators can migrate mailboxes from Exchange Server, Google Workspace, or IMAP-enabled email systems. Users can import their email, contacts, and other mailbox information. Alternatively, you can work with a partner to migrate email. Here’s a structured overview of different migration methods, tools available, and helpful resources.
Cutover migration is suitable for small and medium-sized organizations looking to move all mailboxes at once. This method works for Exchange, IMAP-enabled systems, and even Google Workspace, allowing the migration of all emails, contacts, and calendars.
Cutover Migration Details | Description |
Source | Exchange 2003-2013, IMAP, Google Workspace |
Target | Microsoft 365 / Office 365 |
Tools Available | Exchange Admin Center (EAC) or Google Workspace Admin tools |
Number of Mailboxes | Up to 2,000 (recommended fewer than 150 for smoother migration). |
Migrated Data | Emails, contacts, calendar |
How to Perform | Start the process from the Exchange Admin Center or Google Workspace Admin Center. Cutover Migration Guide |
Service Provider |
Staged migration is ideal for larger organizations needing to migrate mailboxes in batches over time, particularly from Exchange and Google Workspace. This method is suitable for organizations with over 2,000 mailboxes.
Staged Migration Details | Description |
Source | Exchange 2003-2007, Google Workspace |
Target | Microsoft 365 / Office 365 |
Tools Available | Exchange Admin Center (EAC) or Google Workspace Admin tools |
Number of Mailboxes | More than 2,000 |
Migrated Data | Emails, contacts, calendar |
How to Perform | Migrate mailboxes in batches using Exchange or Google Workspace tools. Staged Migration Guide |
Service Provider |
Hybrid migration allows the coexistence of on-premises and cloud-based mailboxes. It’s suited for organizations using Exchange 2010 or later and requiring phased migration.
Hybrid Migration Details | Description |
Source | Exchange 2010 or later |
Target | Microsoft 365 / Office 365 |
Tools Available | Hybrid Configuration Wizard |
Number of Mailboxes | 150 to 2,000 |
Migrated Data | Emails, contacts, calendar |
How to Perform | Hybrid migration allows for a gradual migration. Hybrid Migration Guide |
Service Provider |
IMAP migration works for organizations using systems like Gmail, Zimbra, Yahoo Mail, or any other IMAP-enabled platform. However, only email is migrated; contacts and calendars must be migrated manually.
IMAP Migration | Description |
Source | IMAP-enabled email systems (e.g., Gmail, Zimbra) |
Target | Microsoft 365 / Office 365 |
Tools Available | IMAP Migration Tool |
Migrated Data | Emails only (contacts and calendars must be imported manually). |
How to Perform | Use IMAP migration tools to transfer emails. IMAP Migration Guide |
Service Provider |
Google Workspace users can migrate their emails, contacts, and calendars to Microsoft 365 using either native Google migration tools or third-party services.
Google Workspace Migration | Description |
Source | Google Workspace |
Target | Microsoft 365 / Office 365 |
Tools Available | Google Workspace Migration Tools |
Migrated Data | Emails, contacts, calendar items |
How to Perform | Migrate email, contacts, and calendar using built-in tools. Google Workspace Migration Guide |
Service Provider |
Organizations with many large PST files can use Microsoft 365’s Import Service to transfer email data.
PST File Import Details | Description |
Source | PST Files |
Target | Microsoft 365 / Office 365 |
Tools Available | Microsoft 365 Import Service |
Migrated Data | Emails (from PST files) |
How to Perform | Upload PST files via the Import Service. PST Import Guide |
Service Provider |
When your organization requires professional help, working with a Microsoft-certified partner ensures a smooth migration process.
Partner Migration | Description |
Source | Any email system |
Target | Microsoft 365 / Office 365 |
Support | Partners handle migration planning, execution, and troubleshooting. |
How to Perform | Collaborate with a certified Microsoft partner to ensure smooth migration. |
Service Provider |
System | Migration Type | Migrated Data | Tools Available | Microsoft Official Guide | Service Provider |
Exchange Server | Cutover, Staged, Hybrid | Emails, contacts, calendar | Exchange Admin Center (EAC) | Exchange Migration Guide | |
Google Workspace | Admin-driven, Cutover, Staged | Emails, contacts, calendar | Google Workspace tools | Google Workspace Migration Guide | |
IMAP Systems | IMAP Migration | Emails only | IMAP Migration Tool | IMAP Migration Guide | |
GoDaddy (De-federation) | De-federation Process | Full mailboxes | GoDaddy De-federation Tools | GoDaddy Migration Guide | |
Lotus Notes | IMAP / Third-Party Tools | Emails, contacts, calendar | Third-Party Tools Available | IMAP Migration Guide | |
Yahoo Mail | IMAP Migration | Emails only | IMAP Migration Tool | IMAP Migration Guide | |
AOL Mail | IMAP Migration | Emails only | IMAP Migration Tool | IMAP Migration Guide | |
Third-Party Systems | IMAP / Third-Party Tools | Emails, contacts, calendar | Third-Party Tools Available | IMAP Migration Guide |
Migrating email accounts to Microsoft 365 or Office 365 can seem like a complex process, but with the right tools and resources, it can be streamlined and efficient. Whether you are migrating from Exchange, Google Workspace, or IMAP-supported systems, there are clear pathways to ensure a smooth transition. Using Microsoft’s built-in tools, third-party options, or working with a reliable service provider like Medha Cloud, you can handle migrations of all sizes with minimal disruption. The key is to choose the right migration type for your organization’s needs, ensuring that emails, contacts, and calendars are transferred securely. By following Microsoft’s official guides and leveraging expert support, your migration to Microsoft 365 can be quick, seamless, and stress-free.
For expert migration services, contact Medha Cloud today and ensure a hassle-free transition to Microsoft 365.
