Why O365 Integration Matters More Than Migration
At Bacon Bytes, we’ve helped organizations of all sizes make the move to Microsoft 365 (O365), and one thing we’ve learned over and over again is this: a successful migration is not the same as a successful integration.
Let me explain.
Moving Isn’t the Same as Improving
A lot of organizations migrate to O365 because “it’s what everyone’s doing.” Maybe another nonprofit down the street made the move and raved about it. Maybe the IT department heard about all the productivity gains. And to be fair, they’re not wrong—Microsoft 365 offers powerful tools that can truly transform a business.
But here’s the catch: if you move your data and users to O365 without rethinking your processes, you’re just relocating chaos from one system to another. Imagine a construction company investing in all the latest and greatest tools but still trying to build houses using only a hammer. You’ve got powerful resources at your fingertips—Teams, SharePoint, Power Automate, OneDrive—but if no one knows how to use them, or why they matter, then you’re leaving money, efficiency, and collaboration on the table.
Migration Is a Checklist. Integration Is a Mindset.
A migration is relatively straightforward. You scope it, plan it, and execute it. You move mailboxes, calendars, files, maybe some shared drives, and you’re done.
Integration? That’s another story. Integration is where the real change happens. It’s about aligning your business processes with the new capabilities O365 offers. That takes time, intentionality, and often a cultural shift within the organization.
Here are a few real-world examples of questions we encourage clients to ask before they migrate—or at the very least, immediately after:
- Is our current file structure working?
If your organization uses folder structures that go 10 levels deep, you’re not alone. But that structure slows teams down. In O365, metadata can simplify how files are organized and found, reducing wasted time. - Can someone understand a file just by its name?
Naming conventions may seem like a small thing, but they make a big difference when searching or collaborating across teams. - Do we really need 12 shared inboxes?
Sometimes, simplifying to a shared email likeinfo@yourorg.com
is all you need. Consolidation saves licensing costs, confusion, and management time. - Are our processes unnecessarily manual or outdated?
If your staff still manually compiles reports, assigns tasks via email, or sends documents back and forth with edits, there’s likely a more efficient way. Power Automate and Teams can simplify a lot of that. - Do we have a system for when people leave?
What happens to their files, permissions, and shared folders? Integrating O365 means having a lifecycle management strategy—one that defines ownership, access, and offboarding procedures. - Are we still sending attachments?
In a world where SharePoint allows real-time collaboration, there’s no need to pass versions around. Sharing links to live documents keeps everyone on the same page—literally.
Don’t Waste the Opportunity to Evolve
When you migrate to O365, you’re already disrupting the status quo. That’s your golden moment to rethink how your business operates. If you skip the integration phase, chances are you’ll never circle back to it. The day-to-day will take over again, and the promise of “transformation” will settle back into business as usual.
But when you treat your O365 move as more than just a technical project—and more like a strategic opportunity—you’ll see real change. Better collaboration. Clearer communication. Smarter workflows. A happier, more efficient team.
We Can Help You Do Both
At Bacon Bytes, we don’t just move your files and check a box. We partner with you to make sure your O365 migration sets the stage for long-term success. That means asking the right questions, helping you redesign outdated processes, and showing your team how to get the most out of the tools you’re already paying for.
So yes—let’s migrate. But let’s also integrate. Let’s turn the move to O365 into one of the best decisions your organization has ever made.
Ready to get more than just a successful migration?
If your organization is planning a move to Microsoft 365 or already made the move but feels like things haven’t improved, this is the perfect time to rethink how your tools, processes, and people work together. Let’s make sure your investment in O365 actually drives the results you’re looking for. Call us today at 520-222-7353 and let’s have a conversation on how Bacon Bytes can help you make the best out of your Microsoft 365 subscription. Or click HERE for more information