Top Problems with Google Data Migration Service Explained
As migration is a critical junction in the life cycle of any organization, making a mistake like selecting the wrong partner can be catastrophic. IT administrators have to factor in the pros (workloads allowed) and cons (downtime predicted) from all angles before finalizing their decision. Moreover, it cannot be done without first discussing the problems with the Google Data migration service itself.
These are the misconceptions that end up enhancing the issues. Just relying on a single metric is not enough. So here is a list.
Main Problems with Google Data Migration Service
The free cost is part of Google’s plan to counter feature-rich but expensive alternatives primarily Microsoft’s 365. It is to prove to users that unlike Microsoft which operates on strict Google is more free. But this resulted in an unfinished product that has multiple issues starting with:
Limited availability: Google’s new migration machinery is not available across the globe. Which is not surprising since it is still in a developmental phase. Even in the geographies where this tool is available, Google puts a lot of restrictions on who can use this tool.
Not the Actual Product: As mentioned previously, this Google Service is still midway through production. So it is missing many of the features that users usually associate with a Google product. Admins must keep this in mind when they go and ask for a permit to use this tool from Google.
Not the Main Focus of this Service: In an attempt to woo customers away from Microsoft’s grasp, Google’s main focus is on inter-cloud data transfers. As a result, organizations that are in line to move between two Google Workspace accounts get a product where maximum tasks are still manual.
Limited Item Types Available as Options: Currently, the migration service only has the option to move mail and labels. However, Google has not yet put in the ability to transport calendars and contacts. Instead, it recommends that each user do it individually via the import options present in the apps themselves.
Even though users might think that they can save some money by opting for the free Google migration service. However, they might end up hemorrhaging money due to inferior results and longer business downtime. Next up, we tell you about a game-changing alternative that addresses most, if not all, of these problems with minimum user intervention.
Best Alternative to the Problematic Google Data Migration Service
IT administrators across the spectrum wholeheartedly agree upon the superiority of the SysTools G Suite to G Suite migration utility over the competition. Such is its track record; even after a decade and a half, it is still the first choice when it comes to data migration.
The key differentiator has always been its easy-to-use interface. Combining a minimalistic look with a feature-rich structure has allowed the users to complete their tasks in no time. So use it and migrate Office 365 to Google Workspace account.
When we put Google’s new service face-to-face with the veteran, we can make a more in-depth comparison.
Tabular Comparison Between the Migration Tools
| Comparison Metric | Google Data Migration Service | Advanced Utility |
| Availability | Only available in extreme cases or if part of the exclusive beta testing team | The tool is free to download with a trial version that can migrate 2 user accounts. |
| Workload Options | Only Emails and Labels | Emails, Attachments, Contacts, Calendars, and more. |
| Date Selection | Admins can only pick the start date. | Admins have full freedom to pick any starting and ending date available inside the calendar menu. |
| Mapping | Only the manual CSV upload option | Direct User Fetching with a prefilled CSV template and Import CSV option as well |
| Number of Users | Google only recommends admins not use it for more than 100 users. | This tool has no such limitation. Moreover, admins can add as many users as they want. |
| Post Migration | Only Delta Migration is possible | Retry Failed Items and Rerun Migration are two additional options available alongside the Delta Migration option. |
| Reporting Feature |
Only a single report is available. The report is only created at the end of the migration. Moreover, if admins exit from the migration pre-emptively they lose access to any reports that were not downloaded. |
Two types of reports, summarised and detailed, are available for download. The reports in this tool can be generated at any point during the migration. (by stopping it) Reports are saved and can be accessed at a later date, even if administrators forget to download them. |
The points made here put a stamp on the claim that the tool surpasses the beta version of the Google Data Migration service in every way. So, now it’s time to see how the tool works.
6 Steps to Skip the Problems with Google Data Migration Service
Use the procedure mentioned below to migrate the Google account data of all users with this utility. As a result, never deal with the problems within the GDM service at all.
Step 1. Get a copy of the tool on your workstation. Clear the way by completing the prerequisites. Open it and select G Suite as both the endpoints.
Step 2. Then, scroll towards the Workload selection area. There, mark the checkbox next to the items you wish to shift. You also get the option to set individual timelines with a Date Filter.
Step 3. Use the Admin credentials to Validate the source side then press Next.
Step 4. Then, Repeat the previous step for Target as well.
Step 5. The tool opens the user mapping screen where you have 3 options Fetch, Import, and Download to make the most accurate mapping between the endpoints.
Step 6. In the preview screen, admins can select the users and add a second level of filtering through the priority setting. Once the Validation is done, all that is left is to hit the Start Migration button.
Conclusion
In this blog, we discussed the problems with Google data migration service and how to deal with them. Apart from the manual workarounds, there is also a detailed discussion of the best alternative out there. Moreover, IT admins who need to move the data to user-level Google accounts can use the tool and avoid all problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Migrate contacts from M365 accounts to Android devices using this service?
The Google Migration service is not a mobile app so you won’t be able to add Microsoft contacts to Android directly. Moreover, at a time the service only allows the migration of one particular workload so admins have to recreate the migration scenario for user contact items. Once you have the contacts in your Google account simply login with it on your mobile and let it sync.
Why the Migration is stuck midway when I use the Google Migration Service?
Google migration service has many underlying dependencies. Without them, it won’t even start. Getting stuck midway is not entirely the fault of the service so check for these reasons.
Another super admin paused the migration. Contact your in-house team and ask them if this is the case.
Data storage capacity of Google account reached. That’s why it is important to mass-delete Gmail emails before you start the migration.
