How to Perform Azure Tenant to Tenant Migration?

Azure tenant to tenant migration might prove to be an intimidating task for companies. However, by creating a proper strategy and following the right steps, the migration process can be smooth and seamless. Before getting started on our blog on “How to perform Azure tenant to tenant migration” let us get to know the meaning of Azure tenant to tenant migration.

Understanding Azure Tenant to Tenant Migration

Tenant-to-tenant migration is the process in which data and resources get transferred from one Azure tenant to another. Organizations often require tenant to tenant migrations while merging, business acquisitions, compliance, and security. Tenant-to-tenant migration requires in-depth planning and assessment, user and applications migration, etc.

One thing you need to know is that Azure tenant to tenant migration is a complicated process. It involves an intricate procedure of planning, preparing, domain configuration, testing and validation, and so on. Sounds difficult, right? But worry not, with the help of the correct tools and approach, one can successfully perform Azure tenant to tenant migration.

This blog will provide you with an in-depth guide on how to successfully perform Azure tenant to tenant migration. Also, this article contains everything you need to know about Azure tenant to tenant migration and the steps required to be taken to smoothly carry out the Azure tenant-to-tenant migration. With this being clear, let’s go!

Why Migrate to A New Azure Tenant?

You might wonder why there is a need to migrate from one tenant to another. There are many reasons behind performing a tenant to tenant migration. Business mergers and acquisitions are one of the main reasons for migrating from one tenant to another. Businesses may choose to merge or acquire another company due to multiple reasons.

In this case, transferring data and resources like Microsoft 365 subscriptions from a source tenant to a target tenant eases the smooth transition of workers. The migration process might be complicated when transferring Office 365 resources like SharePoint or OneDrive, mailboxes, or permissions. By using a migration tool, you can streamline the process and reduce downtime for users.

It is important to thoroughly plan and carry out the transfer of Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) resources such as directory settings and resource groups in a 365 tenant to tenant migration. In this process, subscriptions from one Office 365 tenant to another are migrated, making sure all data and settings are migrated correctly.

Organizations can streamline the process of migrating from one Azure subscription to another by the use of a third-party migration tool supported by Microsoft.

Let’s Understand — Types of Tenant to Tenant Migration

It is essential to identify the types of tenant to tenant migration before performing the migration. In this section of the blog, we are going to discuss four types of tenant to tenant migration.

1. Single Event Migration Flow – It is the migration of data and resources from one tenant to another tenant in one go. This means that there is only a single step occurring in a single event migration flow.
2. Phased Event Migration Flow – This refers to the transfer from the existing system to a new one, organized in a step-by-step process.
3. Tenant Move or Split Flow – In this type of tenant migration, data or applications are either transferred or upgraded to a new platform or are divided between two or more environments.
4. Cross-Tenant Mailbox Migration – Cross-tenant mailbox migration is the process of transferring a user’s mailbox data from one Office 365 tenant to another. It mostly occurs when a merger, expansion, or divestiture takes place.

How to Plan Azure Tenant to Tenant Migration?

As stated earlier, tenant to tenant migration requires a proper strategy and planning to ensure that the migration process is a success. Firstly it is important to identify all the data and resources that need to be migrated from one tenant to another.

Then, an in-depth step-by-step strategy enlisting all the necessary resources must be established. Before starting the migration process, analyze the existing environment to check for any inconsistencies in the data.

Prerequisites for Azure Tenant to Tenant Migration

Before starting with the migration process, it is essential to make sure that all ADS and subscription criteria are met. Make sure that you have a legitimate subscription facilitated with all the essential permissions and resources. Now it’s time to set up the Azure migration tools.

To ensure a fruitful migration process, it is important to use the Azure active directory and subscription features from one tenant within the Azure portal. A few additional requirements like network connectivity compliance with security and proper training and support are mandatory for conducting a smooth migration process.

Executing the Migration Process

Now, we come to the main step which is conducting the migration process. After going through all the necessary steps like preparing a migration strategy, compiling the data and resources, meeting Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD) and subscription requirements, setting up Azure migration tools, and configuring network connectivity, it’s time to carry out the migration process.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a successful tenant to tenant migration.

• Step 1: Pre-Migration Planning Process

  Perform a detailed audit of data users and resources in the source tenant. Check for any custom modification and domain settings if necessary. Establish the ideal migration strategy by evaluating the number of users’ mailboxes and data size. Update all the users about the planned migration strategy and warn them about potential risks, training, and support services in the future.

• Step 2: Set Up the Target Account

  Create the target Azure tenant. Arrange all the necessary settings, security, and domains in the target tenant. Set up required permission and access in both the source and target tenants for migration.

• Step 3: Data Migration

  Utilize a reliable third-party migration tool to migrate from the source tenant to the target tenant. According to your choice in a migration strategy, migrate the mailbox data like email, calendars, and contacts. After the migration is done, scrutinize all the data to guarantee a successful transfer of all information.

• Step 4: Testing and Validation

  Confirm the accuracy and uniformity of migrated data including databases and storage. Make a thorough check of the security settings, access control, and compliance figures in the target tenant. At last, perform a post-migration test to ensure all the systems applications and services are functioning correctly.

• Step 5: Clean Up Old Tenant (If Required)

  Delete the old tenant if required after the migration process is conducted. Yes, you are done with the migration process!

Common Challenges And Risks In Azure Tenant to Tenant Migration

As tenant to tenant migration is a complicated process, it poses many challenges and risks. Data loss or corruption is one of the main concerns in tenant to tenant migration. This might lead to the loss of important data.

The migration process also carries the risk of distracting business operations which may require temporary shutdowns of critical services like Mailbox and OneDrive. Ensuring that all the permissions are transferred correctly from the source tenant to the target tenant is another challenge which is a high risk and time consuming process.

Nevertheless, instead of relying on third-party migration tools, opting for the managed Azure migration services of Apps4Rent can ensure a hassle-free and efficient migration. The team handles every aspect of the migration, minimizing risks and maintaining business continuity.

Best Practices for Successful Migration

Here are some of the best practices that help you seamlessly conduct the tenant to tenant migration.

• Maintenance Security During Migration: Run a security check before migration to identify any potential risks. Use secure migration tools in software to conduct the migration process.
• Select the Most Suitable Migration Plan: We have already discussed the types of migration approaches. Choose the approach that best fits your requirements.
• Delete Unnecessary Data Before You Migrate It: One of the best practices to ensure a smooth migration process is to clean up your data before performing the migration. Data clean-up prevents data clatter and ensures a successful migration.

Apps4Rent Can Help with All Types of Azure Migrations

All in all, we can say that Azure tenant to tenant migration involves the movement of resources, subscriptions, and services from one Azure environment to another. It is a complicated process that requires a proper planning strategy, execution, the right migration tools and approach, testing and validation, and maintenance of security.

The tenant to tenant migration process might vary for different organizations. Hence, by selecting the right approach, tools, and strategy, you can achieve a successful tenant to tenant migration that represents your organization’s objectives and aspirations.

As a Tier-1 Microsoft Partner for Azure & Office 365, Apps4Rent can help make the Azure tenant to tenant migration process hassle-free. With the managed Azure services, the Apps4Rent team will handle every aspect of your migration, ensuring minimal disruption to your business operations. Moreover, Apps4Rent expertise in planning and executing tenant to tenant migrations guarantees that all your data and permissions are securely and accurately transferred.