How to Migrate Azure Information Protection Labels to Unified Sensitivity Labels?

Microsoft deprecated the Azure Information Protection classic client and Label Management in the Azure Portal on March 31, 2021, to deliver a unified and streamlined customer experience. It will not be providing support for the classic client and will not be releasing newer maintenance versions. Consequently, Azure Information Protection (AIP) classic client customers must migrate to the Microsoft Information Protection unified labeling platform before the classic client is retired and stops functioning on March 31, 2022. In this article, we will explain how to migrate from AIP to Microsoft Information Protection unified labeling platform.

What Are the Advantages of Migrating Azure Information Protection Labels to Unified Sensitivity Labels?

Migrating from the classic AIP to the unified labeling solution helps in protecting sensitive data across digital estates more effectively. Here are the advantages of migrating Azure Information Protection labels to the unified labeling solution.

• Labeling can be managed with Microsoft Information Protection (MIP) that works with Microsoft 365 cloud services, on-premises, and third-party SaaS applications, among others.
• Organizations can lower their maintenance costs by deploying and maintaining fewer additional software and features.
• It eliminates the need for additional add-ins while improving Office performance.
• Admins can use Microsoft 365 compliance center for streamlining labeling and protection policy management across AIP, Office 365, and Windows.

How to Migrate from AIP to Unified Labeling Solution?

Most features in the AIP classic client are available for the unified labeling client. However, some features are not fully available, and others differ slightly from the original solution. Follow the steps below to migrate from AIP to the unified labeling solution.

• Activate the unified labeling solution by selecting Activate under Manage for Unified labeling in Azure Information Protection on the Azure Portal. This will copy labels from Azure Information Protection to the unified labeling platform.
• Once the labels have been migrated to the Microsoft 365 compliance center, changes made in the labels from the Azure portal are automatically reflected in Microsoft 365 compliance center. However, changes made in Microsoft 365 compliance center have to be published in the Azure portal from the Azure Information Protection area. Alternatively, the New-Label cmdlet can be used in PowerShell to migrate sensitivity labels.
• Copy the policies stored in the Azure portal to the Microsoft 365 compliance center.
• Configure the advanced label settings that may not have been migrated automatically to the unified labeling platform. This can be either done using PowerShell or by defining label conditions in the Microsoft 365 compliance center.

Apps4Rent Can Help with Microsoft Information Protection Migration

Migrating from the Azure Information Protection (AIP) classic client to the unified labeling solution is crucial for classifying sensitive information, improving coherence, and increasing the effectiveness of label and protection management in the Microsoft cloud solutions. While migrating labels to the Microsoft 365 compliance center is straightforward, copying policies and configuring advanced labeling settings can be challenging for organizations with limited IT expertise.

As a Microsoft Gold Partner in multiple specializations and a Tier 1 CSP, Apps4Rent can help businesses upgrade to the unified labeling platform, in addition to Microsoft 365 and Azure licensing as a part of our managed Azure services. Inquire with our Microsoft-certified specialists, available 24/7 via phone, chat, and email for assistance.