Migrating to Microsoft GCC High is a critical move for organizations working with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or pursuing CMMC compliance. But without proper preparation, what should be a strategic upgrade can turn into a costly disruption.
This article outlines the key steps to take before your migration begins—ensuring your transition is seamless, compliant, and successful with the support of expert GCC High migration services.
1. Validate Eligibility and Licensing Early
Before migrating, confirm your organization qualifies for GCC High:
You must support federal, defense, or government workloads
Your data must require protections like ITAR or DFARS compliance
Once validated, acquire the correct licenses (often through an AOS-G partner). Don’t wait—this step alone can take weeks.
2. Conduct a Readiness Assessment
Every environment is different. You’ll need to understand:
What identities you’re managing (Azure AD, AD FS, hybrid)
Where your CUI and sensitive data live
What apps and integrations may not work in GCC High
A readiness assessment sets expectations and reveals technical challenges early.
3. Clean Up Your Environment
A cluttered environment increases migration time and risk. Before migrating:
Archive or delete unused mailboxes and data
Remove legacy applications that won’t be supported
Tag and classify CUI using Microsoft Purview
Only migrate what’s necessary, clean, and compliant.
4. Engage Stakeholders Across Departments
Migration affects more than IT. Involve:
Compliance and legal teams to define regulatory needs
Department heads to coordinate timelines
HR or training teams to prepare users for change
Organization-wide alignment reduces surprises.
5. Plan for Communication and Change Management
Don’t assume users will adjust without guidance. Communicate:
Why the migration is happening (security, compliance)
What users need to do differently
Where they can get support
Training and documentation go a long way in smoothing adoption.
6. Choose the Right Migration Partner
DIY migrations carry high risk. Trusted GCC High migration services bring:
Proven project plans
Compliance and security expertise
Faster transitions with fewer errors
The right partner ensures your configuration aligns with NIST 800-171, CMMC, and ITAR requirements from day one.