File server migration is an integral process in many organizations, as it involves moving an organization’s data from one server to another. This process is crucial when a company decides to upgrade its hardware, consolidate its servers, or move to cloud-based servers. However, this process is not always smooth and comes with certain limitations. In this blog, we will explore what file server migration is, its importance, and the challenges involved.
What is File Server Migration?
A file server is a centralized storage location that allows employees on connected devices to collaborate on files and folders. So file server migration is about moving these data repositories from one location to another. There are several reasons for file server migration, including improving business operations, supporting remote workers, improving server performance, and moving to virtual or cloud-based systems.
File Servers in the Cloud Era
Since 2006, the term ‘file server’ has evolved significantly with the advent of Amazon S3, AWS, and various file synchronization and sharing platforms such as Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. This shift to the cloud has made file server migration a hot topic as organizations realize the benefits of syncing files and folders and making them available to users at all times.
Companies have had varying experiences with server migration. Some find it very successful and beneficial, while others encounter numerous challenges. The varying experiences depend on several factors, including the volume of enterprise data, the chosen migration tool, and the planning and execution of the migration process.
File Sync and Share and File Server Migration
File sync-and-share and file server migration are often confused, but they are two different concepts. File server migration is typically about moving file servers to a newer version or migrating physical file servers to a virtualized or cloud environment such as VMWare or Azure Files. In contrast, file sync-and-share is a service that allows users to store files in the cloud and then synchronize those files across devices.
After Dropbox popularized this technology, many file sync and share services emerged, including Box, Citrix ShareFile, Google Drive, and OneDrive. These services now dominate the file sync and share market. Enterprise file server migration typically means migrating from internal Windows file servers to Microsoft services such as SharePoint, Azure Files, or other public cloud services.
Challenges of File Server Migration to SharePoint
Despite the potential benefits of migrating file servers to SharePoint, the process can be challenging. There are some key SharePoint limitations that organizations need to consider:
Limit #1 – Items to Sync and Items in Library: SharePoint Online can store up to 30 million documents per library, but for optimal performance, it is recommended that no more than 300,000 files be synchronized across all document libraries. Performance may degrade if more than 300,000 items are synchronized or if a library contains more than 5,000 items.
Limit #2 – Maximum Name Length Limitations: SharePoint Online has a limit on the length of file or folder names. The migration fails if the name, including the path, exceeds 400 characters.
Limit #3 – Prohibitive Costs of Data Reorganization: Reorganizing file server data in different libraries or breaking permission inheritance for items in a list, library, or folder can become a data reorganization nightmare.
Challenges of File Server Migration to Azure Files
Just like SharePoint, migrating to Azure Files also poses its own set of challenges. The migration process can be more complicated and involve Active Directory Sync to synchronize Azure AD identities, Azure File Sync to synchronize files from the on-premises file server to Azure File Server, and adjusting firewall settings to enable file transfers. Azure File Migration is often reserved for organizations migrating all digital assets to the Microsoft Azure Cloud.
The Five Obstacles in File Server Migration to SharePoint
- Backward Drive Mapping Compatibility: If your organization relies heavily on traditional drive mapping, SharePoint migration may not be for you.
- Flexible Data Service: SharePoint has predefined policies for backing up and restoring data that may not meet your organization’s needs.
- Application Compatibility: Certain applications may not work after migration, especially if the data repository needs reorganizing.
- Ownership and Control: If your organization must comply with specific regional regulations or industry policies for data access and tracking, SharePoint may not be the right solution.
- Migration Complexity: The larger the data set, the more complex the migration process, which can increase the risk of errors and costs.
File server migration is a complicated process that requires careful planning and execution. To execute a successful migration, it’s important to understand the limitations of the target file server system, whether it’s SharePoint or Azure Files. Regardless of the complexity, the benefits of file server migration, especially when supporting remote and mobile workers, are significant and can lead to substantial improvements in business operations and productivity.
In conclusion, file server migration is an important process for organizations looking to keep pace with technological advances, improve system performance, transition to the cloud, save costs and ensure business continuity. Although it can be a complex process, using advanced tools, such as those offered by Gladinet, can facilitate the migration process and ensure a seamless transition and improved business operations.
Reference: https://gladinet.com/what-is-file-server-migration/