Data migration


There are a spectrum of data migration strategies, ranging from full data migration scenarios to faster deployments with minimal data migration.  This page explains the pros and cons of each approach.

Detailed information about deploying Google Apps can be found here.

Option 1: Minimal data migration

Pros:
  • Much shorter deployment timeline
  • Much less complex deployment process
  • Great for emergency replacement of legacy solution
  • Potentially not very disruptive if employees can access legacy solution when they need old data
Cons:
  • Employees can be disrupted by losing access to old data
  • Employees may resist change when they hear they won't be able to keep old data

Option 2: Full data migration

Pros:
  • Less disruptive to users when then can keep old data
  • Users may be more supportive of change when they know they'll have access to old data
Cons:
  • Significantly longer deployment timeline
  • Significantly more complex deployment process
  • Only suitable when moving from legacy solution is non-urgent
  • Sometimes not much less disruptive than "zero data migration" if employees can access legacy solution when they need old data
Resources: