Network Drives to SharePoint

THE CHALLENGE

The client was relying on traditional network drives for shared business files, tying day-to-day access to an older way of storing and organizing information. As the organization’s needs evolved, that approach made it harder to take full advantage of the flexibility and collaboration available through Microsoft 365.

The challenge was more than relocating folders. TOM needed to understand how the existing shared files were being used and help move that information into SharePoint in a way that made sense for the client’s workflow while creating a more modern foundation for secure access and collaboration.

TOM'S ASSESSMENT

With Microsoft 365 already in place, TOM recommended using SharePoint for shared company files and OneDrive for personal working files instead of maintaining the old file-server model.

THE SOLUTION

TOM created SharePoint locations aligned to the existing network directories. When the migration tool produced sync issues, the approach was adjusted and files were manually copied into the prepared SharePoint folders. Permissions were reviewed and revised, and management used the migration to rethink who should have access to certain areas.

THE TRANSITION

TOM gave staff a short tutorial, remained available for questions, and helped sync SharePoint sites so the experience still felt familiar. The old server stayed online for about two months while the team became comfortable.

THE RESULT

Staff gained remote access and collaboration through SharePoint and OneDrive. Once the team was ready, the Windows Server 2012 system was retired.