E-mail Migration to Microsoft Exchange

E-mail Migration to Microsoft Exchange

2.14

E-mail Migration to Microsoft Exchange

Overview

Many Lotus messaging customers are considering Microsoft Exchange as their next-generation messaging platform. Global System Services Corporation (GSS) has helped some of the world's leading companies transition from older LAN-based e-mail to advanced client/server messaging.

E-mail migration is a complex process but the GSS Messaging Project Methodology and experience in cc:Mail to Exchange e-mail migrations makes e-mail migration painless for GSS customers. Migration from cc:Mail to Exchange offers several key advantages

Fast, reliable, client/server messaging

Easy collaboration and information sharing

Choice of e-mail clients with Internet standards

Real-world Technical Know-how

Despite its power and simplicity from the end-user perspective, cc:Mail customers migrating to Microsoft's Exchange messaging and groupware platform face a number potential challenges.

On the server side, integrating NT domain structures, Exchange sites, and the physical LAN and WAN topologies while sizing, building, configuring, and deploying servers is a significant project by itself. Back-end data migration tools such as the Source Extractor, and Migration Wizard while managing multiple Connectors and integration of Lotus cc:Mail ADE and Internet e-mail services can make migration to Exchange complex.

On the client side customers must make choices such as whether to run Outlook clients on top of cc:Mail databases, use Internet standards-based e-mail clients as a transitional tool, or deploy migration tools such as the Archive Importer to end users. At the same time, developing and integrating migration policies, tools, and procedures into a coherent logistical migration plan while managing software deployment, staffing, and training issues can be formidable.

Data migration is only one of the challenges in an e-mail migration. Successful coexistence is critical to success. GSS integrates all of the tools, tasks, procedures, and challenges of migration within the GSS Messaging Project Methodology.

Proven Methodology

The GSS methodology represents a synthesis of project management experience, correct designs and procedures, effective orders of operation, and best practices. Once a solution is chosen and project planning is complete, typical GSS messaging project involves the following eight phases:

Project Phase	Major Areas of Activity
Phase 1	Architecture and Design
Phase 2	Migration Planning
Phase 3	Feasibility (Modeling, Lab Testing, and Tool Building)
Phase 4	Development and Test (administrator training begins)
Phase 5	Pilot (end-user training begins, support infrastructure implemented)
Phase 6	Infrastructure Deployment
Phase 7	General Deployment
Phase 8	Operations and Support (Production Phase)

In practical terms, this means that GSS follows a proven methodology encompassing the following:

Planning your NT Domain structure and Exchange Site topology

Network and server capacity planning

Logistical migration planning and scheduling

Proven procedures for physical post office and mailbox migrations

Configuring the cc:Mail Connector and ADE

Managing Internet mail during coexistence

Transitioning Mobile users during migration

Client software selection and distribution

Supporting desktop deployment

Managing change in the IT organization

GSS understands that migrating an e-mail system involves many changes. Some of these changes may be to the network and server hardware infrastructure while others may be organizational. GSS has the experience to handle both the technical and organizational issues to ensure that every migration is not just a technical success but an organizational success as well.

Experience Superior Value

With GSS customers always know what they will receive, how much they should invest, and how long it will take to achieve their goals. Let GSS help you migrate quickly and smoothly to a superior e-mail infrastructure. Over the years GSS has proven its value by helping customers successfully meet the most demanding IT challenges. GSS has relationships with major vendors that involve training and certification of GSS staff, but the certification that GSS points out most frequently is customer loyalty. GSS is successful because GSS customers are successful.

About GSS

Global System Services Corporation (GSS) is the leading provider of consulting and professional services for large-scale and distributed infrastructure systems such as email and messaging, directory services, groupware, and wireless solutions. GSS customers include Fortune 500 companies, large services providers and telecom companies, government agencies, major messaging product vendors, and innovative technology startups.

GSS provides a complementary suite of services including strategic technology consultation and competitive vendor and product analysis, product and system architecture and design, system development deployment, customization, and testing, technical support, email migration, and other IT services. GSS has been directly responsible for some of the largest global systems and solutions and counts as customers many of the largest companies in the world.

From its offices in the Silicon Valley California, GSS delivers services and solutions to customers worldwide through a network of mobile consultants and qualified GSS Affiliates. With industry certified professionals on staff, GSS is a Qualified Lotus Business Partner, a Certified Microsoft Solution Provider (MCSP), a Principal Partner in the Sun Partner Advantage program and a member of the Sun Software Partner Council, as well as a member of key industry organizations.

Contact GSS

Global System Services Corporation (GSS)

650 Castro Street, Suite 120-268

Mountain View, CA 94041, U.S.A.

1 (650) 965-8669 phone

1 (650) 965-8679 fax

http://www.gssnet.com

info@gssnet.com