It is not a straightforward process to migrate from Godaddy office 365 to Microsoft 365. GoDaddy is an excellent Web Host for small businesses and start-ups who require a simple and cost-effective online presence. However, unlike most things made for start-ups, it is straightforward to move on. GoDaddy’s version of Microsoft 365, a less expensive and more basic version of Microsoft 365, is called GoDaddy’s Microsoft 365. GoDaddy lures businesses to the platform with simplified billing and low first-year costs. They also offer an easy upgrade from the dreadful webmail that GoDaddy provides with their hosted domains.

Do not get caught in the first year of Microsoft 365 Price from GoDaddy

We would make a side-by-side comparison, but there is no comparison. The GoDaddy Microsoft 365 version is a poor business decision no matter which angles you take it.

• GoDaddy may offer a better price to buy Microsoft 365 for the first time. You may feel that you get more for your money for the “first-year pricing”. Renewal rates for much higher compared to direct Microsoft purchases. GoDaddy Professional plan is compatible with Microsoft 365 Business Standard, which costs less than GoDaddy’s charges annually.
• Microsoft is not hosting GoDaddy Microsoft 365. Microsoft does also not manage it. GoDaddy’s Microsoft 365 is only for small businesses. As your business grows, you will need more services like Power BI, Power Platform or Dynamics. There is no way to buy add-ons from Microsoft, and you cannot upgrade. If you are looking for these tools, the only way is to move to Microsoft.
• No real admin here. GoDaddy Microsoft 365 is for small businesses with little or no IT staff. The GoDaddy Office 365 admin portal does not contain the complete Microsoft 365 Admin portal. Instead, it is a simplified version that GoDaddy provides with limited tools.
• 301 employees? Nope. GoDaddy 365 is only available for Microsoft 365 Business plans and not Enterprise. There is a limit of 300 users per plan. After you reach 301 users, it is time to upgrade to Microsoft’s actual Microsoft 365. Enterprise plans allow for more than 300 users.
• Instead, purchase Microsoft 365 through a CSP partner. They can offer a license and help you navigate complicated licensing options to ensure you get the right features and pricing for your business.

Migration from GoDaddy to Microsoft 365

You are in GoDaddy 365. You need to migrate to Microsoft 365. Although it is not a painless process, we have achieved repeated success with it. These are the key points to know before you start. Then, here are the steps to take to move the domain to your tenant without destroying it.

We have already discussed the differences between Microsoft’s Microsoft 365 versions and GoDaddy. Here are the specific issues you will face when migrating from GoDaddy to Microsoft.

• GoDaddy offers services and a process to help you manage your migration. To release the custom/SMTP domain, GoDaddy Office 365 tenants must be cancelled. Then PST files will be provided. This is a risky way to go about it. It creates many downtimes and makes it impossible to roll back in case of problems. Once you begin the process, you have one chance.
• The GoDaddy Admin interface is “limited” and does not provide the standard tenant to tenant migrations necessary tools. Standard migration tools will not work if there is no admin access.
• GoDaddy’s support staff are not all experienced with this process. If you need assistance, you might have to wait for an escalated response that could take several days.
• Do not make any changes to your GoDaddy environments during the migration, such as adding or removing custom/SMTP
• Domains in Azure Active Directory, Exchange Online or PowerShell. These changes are not consistently recognised by the GoDaddy interface immediately. There are delays while waiting for them to be identified. Migrations that occur during this time can cause problems.

Avoid Microsoft 365 Migrations issues with GoDaddy

Register a custom domain in GoDaddy

• All Azure Active Directory users, groups, and users from GoDaddy to Microsoft can be migrated
• Any additional SharePoint, OneDrive or Teams objects can be migrated into Microsoft 365
• All mailboxes should be assigned to the temporary SMTP Domain registered above so that Microsoft 365 can consume your domain when you migrate. Here comes the fun part. The federation of an original SMTP domain cannot be removed. You will need to call GoDaddy support to coordinate the removal. This is an escalation and can take hours or even days to coordinate.
• After GoDaddy has taken care of everything, you can take over the domain in M365

Do not Migrate it alone

Server Consultancy has a standardised and repeatable process that reduces downtime and ensures a successful GoDaddy migration to Office 365. It also has a team consisting of project managers and engineers who are experienced in the process and can avoid most end-user impacts. Request a quote to learn how Server Consultancy can help solve your GoDaddy Migration problems.

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