Merging or splitting? How to handle your Microsoft 365 environment

A merger, acquisition or split changes not only your organisation, but also your IT. Two companies joining forces often have two separate Microsoft 365 environments, each with its own email, files and accounts. When an organisation splits up, data has to be pulled apart. In both cases there is more to it than moving a few accounts. In this article you read what is involved and how to handle it without chaos.

What happens in a merger

In a merger you work towards a single environment. Email, files, calendars, Teams and permissions from both companies have to come together, without data being lost or duplicated. Think also of email addresses that keep working, shared calendars and uniform security. This is called a tenant-to-tenant migration, and it calls for a plan and tight execution.

What happens in a split

In a spin-off or sale of a division you need to separate data instead. Which files and mailboxes go along, which stay? Who gets access to what? It is important that the new organisation can continue independently, while the remaining environment stays secure and complete.

What to watch out for

• Email and addresses. Make sure messages keep arriving during and after the transition.
• Files and permissions. Move data while preserving the folder structure and the right access rights.
• Security. Both environments must meet the same security standard, certainly with NIS2 in mind.
• Timing. Most of the work happens in the background, but the switch itself is planned at a quiet moment.
• Communication. Let staff know what changes and when.

Do not leave it to chance

A merger or split is exactly the moment when IT problems come to the surface. We handle the full cloud migration from or to Microsoft 365, keeping email, files and calendars intact, and without data loss. Schedule a no-obligation consultation and we will make a plan that fits your situation.