Cloud migration, a key issue
Migration between Microsoft 365 And Google Workspace have become structuring projects (M&A, multi‑sequels, carve‑out, continuity plans). In environments where an average company sometimes operates more than 100 apps (therefore multiple integrations to link), the industrialization of the process is key.
The different migration scenarios
Migrating from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365
There migration from Google Workspace to Microsoft 365 is the most common scenario. For files, Microsoft’s native tool Migration Manager (Migration Manager) supports migration Google Drive & Shared Drives to OneDrive/SharePointwith metadata and permissions management. For emails, calendars and contacts, Exchange Online offers migration flows from Google Workspace.
Be careful, some limitations on Google’s side: THE quotas (Gmail/Drive/Calendar) control the effective flow, where APIs impose limits per project and per userwith risks of rate limiting in case of gusts. THE Data Migration Service (DMS) is more suitable for migrations of less than 100 users in parallel.
For coexistence or advanced load phases, of the cloud migration tools as Cloudiway covers the gray areas:
- Migration of Google Chat to Microsoft Teams, with resumption of messages, files, mentions, members And Spaces (channels).
- Vault Archives, Google Groups/SitesAnd coexistence (Free/Busy inter‑sequels, GALSync directories).
- Platform SaaS (Azure), delta passesmassive volumes.
Migrating from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace
Using Google’s native tools, two approaches are possible: Data Migration Service (integrated, simple) and Google Workspace Migrate (available depending on the edition). The prerequisites and supported editions are often well documented by Google Help.
Be careful though, we advise you the use of a below‑routing domain during the transition, the re‑creation of groups, and good management of Drive permissions.
For the coexistence phase, here again, Cloudiway can synchronize Free/Busy And GAL between heterogeneous tenants and suites to reduce friction during the switchover.
Microsoft 365 migration taking place‑to‑holding (M&A, carve‑out)
Microsoft supports cross‑holding mailbox migration (Exchange Online). For SharePoint/OneDrive/Teams, it is possible to rely on Graph + SharePoint Migration API.
To migrate more than just emails (Teams, Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint) the success of your project will greatly depend on the limitations of Microsoft APIs.
To migrate your accounts, dataparameters and Intune policies from one aspect to the other, it is strongly recommended to use a tool specialized in migration taking into account holding Microsoft 365 like Cloudiway, which offers a dedicated platform in addition to data migration engines.
Native tools are enough‑they for a cloud migration?
As we have seen, for simple perimeters, the answer is Yes. For more complex projects including all Microsoft or Google data (chats, advanced coexistence, Intune/devices, tenant‑to‑holding complete), a specialized cloud migration tool significantly reduces the risk, but above all the project time.
Key steps for a successful cloud migration
For successfully complete a Microsoft 365 tenant to tenant or Google Workspace migrationhere is a simplified summary of the key steps:
- Map identities, data and dependencies (messaging, Drive/OneDrive, SharePoint/Sites, Teams/Chat, Groups).
- Choose the method (cutover, staged, long coexistence) depending on the volume, business constraints and API quotas/limitations.
- Secure identity (Entra ID/SSO, MFA, Conditional Access rules) and plan the coexistence (Free/Busy, GAL sync, routing).
- Orchestrate the migration with adapted tools (native Microsoft/Google or Cloudiway to cover advanced charges: Teams/Google Chat, Vault, cross‑tenant, Intune/devices).
- Run in waveswith delta passestoggle windows and post tests‑migration, avoiding throttling peaks.
Migration: for frictionless coexistence
Migrations that take place over several weeks require teams to continue to work :
- Calendar availability (Free/Busy) inter‑sequels/tenants.
- Directory Synchronization (GALSync).
- Routing (main MX vs sub‑domain).
This is how a migration solution like Cloudiway provides you with Free/Busy inter‑systems and GALSync multi‑tenants, deployable independently or within the platform. Allowing your teams to continue working normally for the duration of the migration project.
Your checklist for a successful cloud migration Before migration
Before migration
- Inventory: shared boxes, delegations, transport rules, dynamic groups,
external shares, rooms/resources, Gmail labels vs folders, Teams/Spaces,
Sites. - Identities: UPN/SMTP, collisions, attributes, cross-tenant sync if necessary.
- Security: MFA/CA in target, minimal RBAC, logs.
- DNS: prepare routing subdomain and SPF/DKIM/DMARC records.
- Tools: does your tool cover Teams/Chat, Vault, Intune/devices, coexistence?
During migration
- Waves (batches) per workload; quota-friendly queue
(Gmail/Drive/Calendar). - Delta close passes (J‐7/J‐3/J‐1/J); MX/Autodiscover toggle at the end of the window.
- Tests: sending/receiving, mobility, file sharing, Teams/Meet meetings.
After migration
- Validation: batch samples, permissions, sharing.
- Stop coexistence in stages (Free/Busy, GAL), subdomain removal, cleanup
transfer rules. - Hypercare: 7–14 days, ticket analysis, targeted training.
Conclusion
For successfully complete a Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace migrationtreat‑it as a program (and not a simple technical operation): coexistence from the start, orchestration by workloads, delta passes, security by design, DNS locked on the big day.
The tools native will help you achieve simple migrations, but within the framework of multi‑tenants, cats And devices/Intunethere Cloudiway migration platform will provide you with the functional expertise and throughput necessary to simply carry out complex or multi-tenant migrations.
