AWS WorkMail to Kopano Cloud Migration: Enterprise Playbook
Migrating out of AWS WorkMail has become mandatory for organizations. However, there is still a lot of debate on which platform is the best AWS WorkMail alternative. One option that got a highlighted mention in the official EOL documentation is Kopano Cloud. It is a new, relatively less-known service. So here I will help organizations to execute an error-free AWS WorkMail to Kopano Cloud migration.
Let’s start by exploring the reason why anyone would choose this service over industry behemoths like O365 or G Suite.
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Reasons to Migrate AWS WorkMail to Kopano Cloud
The topmost reason is, without a doubt, the EOL announcement. However, even before the End of Life was confirmed, organizations were already quitting AWS WorkMail in favor of other options, among which was Kopano.
Kopano Cloud has also distinguished itself among the different replacement options by providing top-notch services at a budget. Making it tough for administrators to ignore it outright.
Your organization might have its own reasons to choose Kopano, but that does not change the fact that you need a pathway to get there. So check out the DIY methods of transfer and learn why they are not ideal for large organizations.
Manual Means of AWS WorkMail to Kopano Cloud Migration
Using auto-forwarding: A rudimentary approach of transfer is to configure server-to-server forwarding. This redirects incoming mail from Amazon WorkMail to Kopano Cloud.
Employing Email clients: Administrators can create the Kopano accounts and then ask the users to set up both the AWS and Kopano accounts on a desktop email client. Then drag and drop emails across.
Native Method to Move AWS WorkMail to Kopano Cloud: Unlike the other two candidates, where we had the option to use the native methods, there is no such option for Kopano. Moreover, if you look at the Kopano website, there is a mention of an import tool, but it is not live yet.
Problems with Manual Transfer
Relying on manual protocols introduces severe operational drawbacks.
Forwarding alters message headers and completely abandons historical directory trees.
Client-side drag-and-drop consumes massive local bandwidth, triggers frequent server connection timeouts, and proceeds without centralized telemetry. These methods cannot securely manage an enterprise AWS WorkMail to Kopano Cloud migration.
Professional Step-by-Step Transfer Process Explained
To bypass these vulnerabilities, organizations must deploy the FreeViewer IMAP Migrator. It is exclusively designed for emergency inter-server email movement.
Follow these steps to perform the transfer:
Step 1. Open the tool on your PC or Mac, then check that the endpoints are IMAP and the email workload box is checked. After that, apply a date filter if you need, or leave it as is; the tool will simply transfer every email. Press Next to proceed.
Step 2. On the next screen, toggle the list of email servers and choose Amazon WorkMail. Note that if your AWS WorkMail server is not in the us-east-1 zone, then you have to choose the other option and type in the exact server name plus the port number yourself. Once done, press the Validate button and wait for the green signal to hit Next.
Step 3. Likewise, for the destination email, toggle the dropdown, select the other option, fill in the necessary details for the Kopano Cloud server, and hit Next.
Step 4. On the user mapping screen, download the CSV and add the details, then reupload it to the tool.
Step 5. Lastly, view the user list, make final selections, and apply the priority start on the VIP account, validate, and start the transfer process.
Conclusion
Here, I taught you how to move your organization’s AWS WorkMail to the Kopano Cloud environment. There are many different routes you can explore, but with time being of the essence, experimentation is no longer feasible. That’s why, instead of forwarding or using email clients, it’s better to use the professional utility explained in the text earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will Kopano Cloud cost me more or less compared to AWS WorkMail?
Kopano is cheaper with its standard plan costing $2.99/user/month compared to AWS WorkMail, which starts at $4.00.
Q: How long will it take for me to move my Amazon WorkMail to the Kopano Cloud?
Depending on what pathway you opt for, manual transfer will take quite a long time to complete, with timelines extending for months. The tool, on the other hand, fast-tracks your transfer significantly.
Q: Is Kopano Cloud the best AWS WorkMail replacement?
Not necessarily, although it is mentioned by name as one of three replacements in the official shutdown announcement, but that alone does not qualify it as a suitable alternative. You must do your own due diligence when selecting the next email infrastructure for your organization. No matter which platform you choose, the professional tool will help you migrate there.