Switching from Onsite RDS to Microsoft 365

Switching from an onsite RDS (Remote Desktop Services) and Active Directory environment to a Microsoft 365 Cloud environment is a significant transition. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate this process smoothly, along with some key considerations to avoid common pitfalls.

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## Step-by-Step Guide for Transitioning to Microsoft 365

### 1. **Plan Your Migration**
- **Assess Your Current Environment**: Take inventory of your existing Active Directory setup, Exchange Server, and any dependencies.
- **Define Objectives**: Determine what you want to achieve with the migration (e.g., improved collaboration, reduced maintenance, etc.).
- **Choose a Migration Tool**: Microsoft provides tools like the Azure AD Connect and Exchange Online Migration Wizard to assist with the process.

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### 2. **Prepare Your Microsoft 365 Environment**
- **Set Up Microsoft 365 Tenant**: If you haven’t already, create your Microsoft 365 tenant and configure basic settings.
- **Verify Domain Ownership**: Add and verify your domain in Microsoft 365 to ensure email and other services work correctly.
- **Configure Azure AD Connect**:
- Install Azure AD Connect on a server in your current environment.
- Use it to synchronize your on-premises Active Directory with Azure AD.
- Enable password hash synchronization or pass-through authentication for seamless user login.

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### 3. **Migrate Email to Exchange Online**
- **Choose a Migration Method**:
- **Cutover Migration**: Best for small organizations; migrates all mailboxes at once.
- **Staged Migration**: Migrates mailboxes in batches; suitable for medium-sized organizations.
- **Hybrid Migration**: Maintains coexistence between on-premises Exchange and Exchange Online; ideal for large organizations.
- **Update DNS Records**: Update MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records to point to Microsoft 365.
- **Test Email Flow**: Ensure emails are being sent and received correctly after migration.

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### 4. **Set Up Microsoft 365 Services**
- **Enable Microsoft Teams**: Configure Teams for collaboration and communication.
- **Migrate Files to OneDrive/SharePoint**: Use tools like the SharePoint Migration Tool or third-party solutions to move files.
- **Configure Security and Compliance**: Set up policies for data loss prevention, conditional access, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).

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### 5. **Decommission On-Premises Infrastructure**
- **Disable On-Premises Exchange**: Once all mailboxes are migrated, decommission the on-premises Exchange server.
- **Retire Active Directory**: If you no longer need on-premises AD, plan for its decommissioning. Ensure all devices and users are fully integrated with Azure AD.

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## Key Considerations and Pitfalls to Avoid

1. **User Training**: Ensure users are trained on Microsoft 365 tools like Teams, OneDrive, and Outlook.
2. **Data Backup**: Back up all critical data before starting the migration.
3. **Licensing**: Verify that you have the correct Microsoft 365 licenses for all users.
4. **Authentication**: Decide whether to use Azure AD as the sole authentication method or maintain a hybrid setup temporarily.
5. **Testing**: Test each phase of the migration thoroughly before moving to the next step.
6. **Third-Party Applications**: Check compatibility of third-party applications with Microsoft 365.

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## Additional Resources
- Microsoft provides detailed documentation and tools for migration:
- [Microsoft 365 Migration Guide](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/enterprise/microsoft-365-migration-guide?view=o365-worldwide)
- [Exchange Online Migration](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/mailbox-migration/mailbox-migration)

If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, you can refer to the Service Record created for this request: [Service Record #2510126](/servicePortal/SRview/2510126).