When businesses rely heavily on email for daily operations, downtime isn’t an option. Recently, we were tasked with migrating a client to Microsoft 365 Mail. The project required careful planning, zero business interruption, and enhanced security against modern email threats. Here’s how we made it happen.
The Challenge
Our client had been using GoDaddy Mail for several years, but it was no longer meeting the growing needs of the business. Limitations in scalability, integration with Microsoft tools, and concerns over spam and phishing risks prompted the decision to migrate to Microsoft 365.
Key challenges included:
- Avoiding downtime: Email is critical to business continuity, so any disruption could impact productivity and communication.
- After hours transition: The migration had to be done outside of business hours to ensure a smooth switch without affecting employees’ work.
- Strengthening security: The client wanted to minimise the risk of spam, phishing, and malicious emails, which had been a growing concern.
The Solution
1. Migration Planning
We designed a detailed migration plan that included mapping existing mailboxes, preparing Microsoft 365 accounts, and scheduling the transition for a weekend evening. By performing the migration after hours, we ensured that staff wouldn’t notice any disruption.
2. Seamless Transition to Microsoft 365
Using proven migration tools and processes, we transferred all mailboxes, contacts, and calendars from GoDaddy Mail into Microsoft 365. The cutover was timed carefully, and DNS records were updated during the night, meaning the business woke up Monday morning to a fully functional Microsoft 365 environment.
3. Security with Hornet Security
To protect against today’s sophisticated cyber threats, we implemented Hornet Security as an additional layer of defence. Hornet filters incoming mail for spam, phishing, and malicious attachments before they reach users’ inboxes. This gave the client peace of mind knowing that their new Microsoft 365 setup wasn’t just modern and reliable, but also far more secure.
The Outcome
- Zero downtime: The migration was completed entirely out of hours, ensuring no disruption to staff or customers.
- Modern platform: Employees now benefit from Microsoft 365’s powerful collaboration tools and seamless integration across the business.
- Enhanced security: With Hornet Security in place, the business has a stronger shield against spam, phishing, and other email risks.
Conclusion
This case study highlights how careful planning, out of hours execution, and robust security measures can transform a business’s email environment with minimal risk. By migrating from GoDaddy Mail to Microsoft 365 and introducing Hornet Security, the client now enjoys a modern, reliable, and secure email system that supports business growth.
