Decommission your file server. Zero data loss. Zero disruption.
Ageing file servers are a security risk and a maintenance burden. IP Four migrates your file server content to SharePoint Online with full permissions mapping, structure rationalisation, and data integrity verification included.
Migration managed from assessment to decommission.
From pre-migration discovery to server decommissioning, we manage every stage of your file server migration so nothing is missed and nothing is lost.
Pre-Migration Assessment
Full inventory of your file server content. File count, total size, folder depth, and permission complexity assessed. Migration risks identified. Rationalisation opportunities documented before any data is moved.
Folder Structure Rationalisation
Existing folder hierarchies reviewed and simplified during migration. Duplicate content identified and removed. Archive content separated from active content. New SharePoint structure designed before migration begins.
Permissions Mapping
Existing file server permissions mapped to SharePoint permission groups. NTFS permissions translated to SharePoint equivalents. No permissions lost during migration. Access verified post-migration before old server is retired.
Managed Migration Execution
Migration executed using Microsoft SharePoint Migration Tool or third-party tooling for complex environments. Incremental migration minimises disruption. Delta sync run before cutover to capture last-minute changes.
Data Integrity Verification
Every migrated file verified against source. File counts, sizes, and checksums compared. Missing or corrupted files identified and remediated before cutover. Migration report provided on completion.
Server Decommissioning Support
Old file server retired after successful migration and verification. DNS and DFS references updated. Staff redirected to SharePoint. Decommissioning documented for asset management and licence compliance.
From discovery to decommissioned server.
Discovery and Assessment
We scan your file server to produce a full content inventory. File counts, sizes, ages, and permission complexity reported. Migration complexity scored and timeline estimated.
Migration Plan Design
Target SharePoint structure designed. Rationalisation decisions agreed with stakeholders. Permissions mapping documented. Migration waves planned to minimise business disruption.
Pilot Migration
A representative sample of content migrated to SharePoint. Permissions verified. Staff test access to migrated content. Issues identified and resolved before full migration begins.
Full Migration Execution
All content migrated in agreed waves. Incremental sync keeps SharePoint up to date during migration period. Staff continue working on file server until cutover date.
Verification and Cutover
Final delta sync run. Data integrity verified. Staff redirected to SharePoint. File server access removed. Cutover confirmed with key stakeholders before server is retired.
Decommissioning
File server decommissioned and documented. Hardware repurposed or disposed of securely. Licence savings calculated and reported. Post-migration support provided for 30 days.
File server migrations completed for UK businesses.
Manufacturing Firm, Preston
A 120-person manufacturing company had a 3TB file server with 15 years of unstructured data. The server was end of life and the business needed to migrate to SharePoint Online without losing any data.
Full content inventory completed. 40 percent of content identified as archive or duplicate. Active content migrated to structured SharePoint libraries. Server decommissioned. Annual infrastructure saving of 12,000 pounds achieved.
Engineering Consultancy, Bristol
An engineering firm had complex NTFS permissions on their file server built up over 10 years. They were concerned that migrating to SharePoint would break access controls for sensitive project files.
Full NTFS permissions audit completed. 280 permission groups mapped to SharePoint equivalents. Migration executed with permissions verified at each stage. Zero access control issues reported post-migration.
Legal Practice, Birmingham
A law firm needed to migrate 500GB of client files to SharePoint while maintaining strict access controls and meeting SRA data handling requirements. Migration had to be completed with zero data loss.
Migration executed with checksum verification for every file. Zero data loss confirmed. Client matter permissions mapped and verified. SRA compliance requirements met. Migration completed over a weekend with no disruption to client work.
Ready to decommission your file server?
Book a free migration assessment. We will scan your file server, estimate the migration complexity, and give you a clear plan with timeline and cost.