Any new version of SharePoint Server is better than its previous versions in terms of features, functionality, interface, storage capabilities, and performance. And there are two ways to move to the new version – Upgrade and Migration. However, users may get confused about the correct choice between the Upgrade and SharePoint to SharePoint Migrator options.
When we talk about the upgrade, it means upgrading the current SharePoint to the next available version. The migration could be from SharePoint Server/another source to SharePoint Server.
To help you choose between upgrade and migration, we have created a comparison table of the situations suitable for both. Have a look!
Ideal Conditions for |
|
Upgrade |
Migration |
No requirement of taxonomy/architecture modification | Taxonomy/architecture needs to be redesigned |
The existing version is 2010 or higher | The existing version is 2003 or one of the earlier versions |
Need to shift to the next higher version | A movement to more than one higher version is required |
Content is well-distributed | Content is not well-distributed |
Folder structures are not shallow | Folder structures are quite shallow |
Site Template includes Team Site, Records Center, Document Center | Custom Site Template used for document repository site collection |
Note: If the user desire to move from the existing SharePoint Server version to SharePoint Online, then only the migration option would help.
The above table will clear your doubts and help you to make a good decision regarding the migration or upgrade. Let us discuss the points more.
SharePoint users can use any of the two options based on their current business or personal requirements. Still, the migration option has the upper hand and is popular with Microsoft SharePoint Server users. However, manual migrations are complex, lengthy, and always indirect. All these make this process almost infeasible.
But don’t feel low, we have a solution for smooth, quick, and easy migration between any two SharePoint versions or SharePoint Online, namely Kernel Migrator for SharePoint. The tool performs migration from file system to SharePoint Server or SharePoint Online quite efficiently. It allows moving specific SharePoint Sites, Subsites, Lists, Documents, items, etc. along with permissions. This advanced SharePoint Migration tool supports all SharePoint Server versions and SharePoint Online plans. To get an idea about the software functions and features, users can try the free demo version of the tool available on the website.
We have discussed the crucial factors to be considered while performing upgrade or migration in the current SharePoint environment. With some drawbacks associated with the manual migration between SharePoint versions, an efficient and secure professional SharePoint migrator tool is also recommended for the users at the end.
I would say that upgrade is always better than migration as it allows to use new features after migration.