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Affordable Incremental SharePoint Migration Tools for File Shares
Question details
The user is looking for cost-effective tools or configurations to perform incremental migrations from multiple file shares to SharePoint, as the standard SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) rescans all source data and takes too long.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating large volumes of data from on-premises file shares to SharePoint using incremental copying to save time.
- Observed behavior
- The default SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) scans all source data during repeated jobs, causing significant delays during large data migrations.
Before exploring third-party migration tools, ensure you have global admin access to your Microsoft 365 tenant and a clear map of your current file share structures and permission settings.
Consult Microsoft Support for Advanced SPMT Configurations
Before purchasing third-party tools, verify if your specific incremental migration needs can be met by optimizing the free SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT).
Microsoft provides the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) for free, but default settings may cause extensive rescanning. Reaching out to support can uncover hidden optimizations.
Log in to the Microsoft 365 admin center (admin.microsoft.com) using your global administrator credentials.
Navigate to the 'Help & Support' section located at the bottom right of the admin dashboard, and select 'Contact Support'.
Create a new request detailing your migration scope, file share sizes, and the need for incremental copying without full rescans.
Share your current SPMT migration task configurations and logs with the support agent to help them identify potential workflow optimizations.
Utilize Cost-Effective Alternatives like GS RichCopy360
If SPMT limitations cannot be resolved, consider budget-friendly third-party software designed specifically for incremental cloud migrations.
Evaluate Premium Tools for Complex Scenarios
If budget constraints can be adjusted, industry-standard tools like ShareGate offer robust out-of-the-box incremental migration features.
Switch to WPS Office for Seamless Document Management
While optimizing your SharePoint and cloud file storage, consider streamlining your document creation process. WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office that works seamlessly with your local and cloud files.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installer for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installation wizard, following the on-screen prompts to set your preferred language and default file associations.
- 3. Sign In for Cloud Benefits: Launch WPS Office and sign in to access free cloud storage, collaboration tools, and premium templates.
- 4. Start Creating: Open or create documents instantly with full compatibility with standard Microsoft Office formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the SharePoint Migration Tool (SPMT) take so long on repeated jobs?
By default, SPMT rescans the entire source data directory to identify changes during repeated migration jobs. For very large file shares, this scanning process alone can consume a significant amount of time, even if only a few files were modified.
What is incremental migration in SharePoint?
Incremental migration is a process where a tool initially copies all your data (the seed) and then, in subsequent runs, only copies the new or modified files (the delta). This drastically reduces migration time for active file shares.
Does SharePoint throttle third-party migration tools?
Yes, SharePoint Online employs throttling to maintain service availability. Migration tools must be designed to recognize '429 Too Many Requests' errors and automatically back off and retry. Ensure your chosen third-party tool explicitly supports SharePoint throttling.
Are there affordable alternatives to ShareGate for SharePoint migrations?
Yes, while ShareGate is highly regarded, organizations with strict budgets often utilize lower-cost alternatives like GS RichCopy360, which offer robust support for incremental copying from multiple file shares to SharePoint while navigating throttling limits.
