Email Migration to Microsoft 365

We are pleased to announce that ITS will start migrating on-premises Exchange mailboxes to Microsoft 365 (MS365) in the coming weeks. This transition is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance email reliability, security, and accessibility across devices. Please know that we have already migrated the email boxes of many ITS technical staff as a test and to document the process. It has been working well since we started in January.

Benefits of MS365 Email

  • Access email securely from anywhere on any device
  • Improved performance and reliability
  • Enhanced security and compliance features
  • Seamless integration with other MS365 tools

What to Expect

  • The migration will occur in batches of multiple mailboxes over several weeks to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Before each batch starts, those mailbox users will receive an email notification of the event, and those mailboxes will continue to function as normal during the initial phase of the migration.
  • 24 hours before finalization, the mailbox user will receive an email stating when the finalization will occur. Once finalized, email access will switch to MS365.
  • ITS staff will be available to support anyone who experiences access issues as a result of the migration.

How do I access email after the migration

  • Use the MS Outlook application (2019 or 365) from your PC desktop, as you always have.
  • Use a browser to connect to the web version of Outlook @ https://outlook.office.com/mail/
  • Use the MS Outlook mobile app on mobile devices as desired
  • Note: Built-in Android and Apple email apps will no longer work to access MC email on mobile devices

 

How To Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Migrating Outlook to the cloud means your emails, contacts, and calendar will be stored in Microsoft 365 instead of a local email server. This allows for better accessibility, security, and integration with other Microsoft 365 apps.

Yes. We have tested Outlook 2019 and Outlook MS 365 Apps for Enterprise and both continue to work after the migration. If you have the application running when the migration completes you may receive the message “The Exchange Administrator has made a change that requires you to quit and restart Outlook”. Simply follow those directions and when Outlook restarts it will connect to the cloud instead of the on-prem servers.

No, all emails, contacts, and calendar events will be migrated. However, it’s recommended to back up any important data just in case.

You can access your email through the Outlook desktop app, Outlook Web (outlook.office.com), or the Outlook mobile app. Your login credentials will remain the same.

No. We have not noticed any difference in performance of email hosted in the cloud as apposed to that hosted on premise. MS 365 has an enormous amount of server, storage, and networking resources supporting their cloud environment and it used by enterprises across the globe.

Email rules should migrate, but it’s a good idea to check them after the transition. You may need to reapply your email signature manually.

There may be a brief period where email access is limited, but we will notify you in advance to minimize disruption.

Yes! Since Outlook is cloud-based, you can log in from any device with internet access using Outlook Web, the desktop app, or the mobile app.

No, your email address will remain the same. Only the way your email is accessed and stored will change.

Need Additional Assistance with Outlook?

If you require additional assistance, contact the help desk.

Staff, Faculty, and Managers call (209) 384-6180 or email [email protected].