Transitioning from an in-house email platform to a cloud-based email solution can pose considerable challenges, especially when both platforms share the same developer, as is the case with Exchange and Office 365. Therefore, the migration process from an on-premises Exchange Server to Office 365 demands meticulous planning and a methodical approach to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Migration options for Exchange to Office 365

For Exchange users, three methods are available to migrate mailboxes from Exchange to Office 365.

  • Express migration: Express migration is the recommended choice for scenarios involving fewer than 2000 mailboxes. The migration process can be initiated conveniently through the Exchange Admin Center (EAC). Nevertheless, it's worth noting that migrating all 2000 mailboxes in a single operation might be time-consuming. To ensure a smoother migration experience, it is advisable to break down the migration into smaller batches, each containing no more than 150 mailboxes. Express migration is a versatile option that supports migrations from Exchange versions including 2003, 2007, 2010, and 2013.
  • Staged migration: Use Staged migration when the number of mailboxes is more than 2000. Staged migration can be performed if you are migrating from Exchange 2003 or 2007 versions.
  • Hybrid migration: Hybrid migration seamlessly manages both on-premises and online mailboxes, facilitating a gradual and controlled data migration process to Office 365. Opting for a hybrid migration is the ideal choice when transitioning Exchange 2010 mailboxes, particularly when dealing with a range of 150 to 2000 mailboxes, as it enables you to migrate them to Office 365 in manageable batches. Moreover, this method stands out as the preferred option for migrating Exchange 2013 to Office 365 due to its efficiency and reliability.
Exchange 2013 Migration to Office 365

For exchange 2013, hybrid migration is the best option as it supports migration of a large number of mailboxes in batches. This method allows the user to move mailboxes to Office 365.

#1. Enable Mailbox Replication Proxy Service on Client Access Servers

Before conducting hybrid migration, it is suggested to create migration end points. A migration end point has the login credentials and connection settings of the source Exchange Server. Then follow the steps to enable the Mailbox Replication Proxy Service (MRSProxy service):

  1. In Exchange Admin Center, go to Servers > Virtual Directories
  2. Choose the Client Access Server, select the EWS virtual directory, and click Edit
  3. Enable MRSProxy (by checking the checkbox) and click save
#2.Migrate Exchange 2013 Mailboxes to Exchange Online

In the Office 365 tab of the Exchange Admin Center, you have the remote move migration wizard that helps you move mailboxes from on-premises Exchange to Exchange Online (and vice versa). Follow the steps below to migrate on-premises Exchange mailboxes to Office 365 (Exchange Online).

  1. In EAC, go to Office 365.
  2. Under Recipients > Migration, click Add +, and choose Migrate to Exchange Online.
  3. Select Remote move migration on the Select a migration type page; click Next. It will take you to the Select the users page.
  4. Click Add+. Here you can select the on-premises Exchange users you want to migrate to Office 365. Click Add, then OK, and then Next.
  5. Input the credentials of on-premises administrator on the Enter the Windows user account credential page.
  6. Ensure that your on-premises Exchange Server (FDQN) is listed on the Confirm the migration endpoint page, and click Next.
  7. Create a migration batch on the Move configuration page by providing the required details; click Next in the end.
  8. Finally, at the Start the batch page, choose one recipient to receive the report after the batch completion. Check the Automatically complete the migration batch box. Click New.

Note: After the completion of the migration, batches can be deleted (this can be done from Recipients > Migrations).

The comprehensive hybrid migration process is essential for transitioning from Exchange 2013 to Office 365. However, it can be a lengthy and time-consuming endeavor. Successfully navigating this process can be challenging for non-technical users, making it advisable to consider third-party applications for a more efficient Exchange mailbox to Office 365 migration.

Kernel Migration for Exchange

It is a powerful Exchange Migration tool that streamlines the seamless transfer of mailboxes between Exchange Servers or Office 365 environments. Packed with an array of advanced features, this tool simplifies every facet of the migration process. It kicks off with a comprehensive pre-migration analysis, smoothly migrates mailboxes and public folders along with their associated data, and ensures a seamless synchronization between the source and destination mailboxes, fostering a harmonious co-existence.

To know how the tool actually works, follow the steps given below.

  1. Launch the software. Click Add Project, enter a name and click OK.
  2. Now, click Add Job for Mailboxes, add a Job Name and then click Next. Add Job for Mailboxes
  3. Now, enter the source details - Exchange Server 2013 account details and validate them; select the desired options and then click Next. enter the source details
  4. Choose the required mailboxes and then click Next. Choose the required mailboxes
  5. Enter the target Office 365 details (can delegate full access rights to the user) and then click Next. Enter the target Office 365 details
  6. Apply different filters as required and then click Next. Apply filters
  7. Now, map the source and destination mailboxes and click Next. map the source and destination mailboxes
  8. Manage bad items and synchronization between the source and target by choosing the appropriate options. Then, click Next. synchronization between the source
  9. Set notification settings by providing an email address to get notified for different jobs. Click Next. Set notification settings
  10. Users can deny or allow the migration at specific day and time. Choose as per your need and then click Next. deny or allow the migration
  11. View the summary of migration and check if it is okay. Then click Finish. ummary of migration

The migration from Exchange 2013 to Office 365 is currently underway and will require some time to finalize. Once the migration is successfully completed, you will receive a notification confirming its success, along with a detailed migration report. As you've witnessed, transitioning from Exchange 2013 to Office 365 is effortlessly managed by our software solution.