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Full Version: Should We Use PowerShell or a Third-Party Tool for Legacy Public Folder Migration?
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We are evaluating how to move public folders from an older Exchange Server environment to Microsoft 365. The project involves several folders containing business correspondence, team calendars, contacts, and archived departmental information. Since these resources are still used by employees, we need a migration process that includes proper preparation and checks after the transfer.

Our main objective is to migrate Legacy Public Folders to Exchange Online while minimizing manual errors. Microsoft's PowerShell-based approach appears suitable for administrators who can prepare mapping files, configure migration batches, monitor synchronization, and troubleshoot failures. However, the amount of preparation required will depend on the size and complexity of the existing environment.

I have also been exploring third-party options and found the SysInfo Office 365 to PST Export Tool. Its product information lists public folder selection, user mapping, date filtering, duplicate removal, and progress reports. These features could be useful for certain workflows, but I would compare the supported migration paths, authentication requirements, and permission handling before choosing a solution.

I would also avoid removing the legacy environment immediately after the migration completes. Checking folder counts, reviewing errors, testing access, and confirming that important emails, contacts, and calendar items are available should be part of the final checklist.

For IT administrators looking to migrate public folders to Office 365, which approach would you recommend for a complex environment? Is Microsoft's native process sufficient when the team has PowerShell experience, or are there situations where a third-party solution is worth evaluating? Real-world experiences with troubleshooting, permissions, and validation would be helpful.