Migrating to Microsoft 365 GCC and GCC High for Government

Update: For GCC High Migrations, please read our Complete Guide to Migrating to GCC High

Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud (GCC) and GCC High have emerged as pivotal platforms for government agencies and organizations operating in regulated industries. These dedicated cloud environments provide a robust array of productivity and collaboration tools specifically designed to satisfy the rigorous security and compliance demands of the public sector. They enable organizations to harness the power of cloud-based technologies while adhering to the specific regulatory standards governing their operations.

Here’s a comprehensive roadmap for organizations seeking to migrate to Microsoft 365 GCC and GCC High. By addressing the unique challenges and considerations associated with this migration, we will equip you with the knowledge and insights essential for a successful transition to these government-specific cloud environments.

What are GCC and GCC High? 

Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud (GCC) and GCC High are two cloud computing platforms designed specifically for US government agencies and organizations handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and sensitive government data. The two have two main differences:

1. Data storage locations, particularly Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI): While GCC utilizes the same cloud as Microsoft Commercial and can be accessed by Microsoft’s worldwide personnel, GCC High utilizes Microsoft’s US Sovereign Cloud, providing a more robust and secure environment. 
2. US Gov/DoD compliance standards: GCC is designed for general government data management and meets the data demands of the entire government, while GCC High is built for businesses that must adhere to the strictest security and compliance standards, especially those that handle sensitive data. You can also read our blog, “What is GCC High”.

Benefits and Security Features

Both GCC and GCC High offer a robust set of features designed to enhance security and collaboration for government agencies:

• Enhanced Security: Built-in features like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and advanced threat protection safeguard sensitive government information.
• Improved Collaboration: Familiar Microsoft 365 applications like Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive enable secure communication and document sharing across teams and agencies.
• Streamlined Compliance: Built-in compliance controls simplify adherence to government regulations, reducing administrative burdens.

GCC, as the standard Microsoft 365 cloud, offers a wide range of features and tools, nearly global availability, and competitive pricing. On the other hand, GCC High is designed to meet the stringent cybersecurity and compliance requirements of NIST 800-171, FedRAMP High, and ITAR, providing enhanced security controls and compliance features.

Compliance Requirements for GCC and GCC High

Both GCC and GCC High are designed to meet various compliance frameworks, such as NIST 800-171, FedRAMP, DFARS 7012, and CMMC. While GCC can be configured to meet the majority of CMMC’s requirements with native security products and capabilities, GCC High ensures compliance with ITAR and DFARS 7012, making it the recommended cloud option for CMMC 2.0 Level 2. You may need to migrate from GCC to GCC High for your organization’s long-term

compliance strategy, considering the specific compliance requirements of your business scenarios.

Understanding these aspects helps you make informed decisions and ensure a successful transition to GCC or GCC High.

Preparing for the Migration

Migrating to Microsoft 365 GCC or GCC High unlocks a world of secure collaboration possibilities. But before diving in, careful preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and successful transition.

Assessing the Current IT Infrastructure

Assessing the current IT infrastructure is crucial. This includes evaluating the existing hardware, software, and data systems to determine their compatibility with GCC and GCC High. It is essential to ensure that the current infrastructure can support the migration and meet the security and compliance requirements of GCC and GCC High.

Identifying the Right GCC or GCC High Plan

Analyze your agency’s specific needs and data classification requirements. Do you primarily handle unclassified data (GCC) or require the heightened security of GCC High for CUI? Microsoft offers a variety of GCC/GCC High service plans tailored to different user needs and functionalities. Consult with a qualified IT service provider to select the plan that best aligns with your agency’s size, budget, and security requirements.

Planning for Data Migration and Application Compatibility

Develop a comprehensive data migration plan that outlines the process for securely transferring your data to the GCC/GCC High environment. This may involve phased migrations or specialized tools to ensure data integrity throughout the process. Next, evaluate your current applications for compatibility with GCC/GCC High. Some applications may require adjustments or replacements to function seamlessly within the secure cloud environment.

Communicating the Migration Plan to Stakeholders

Finally, communicating the migration plan to stakeholders is crucial. This includes informing employees, contractors, and other stakeholders about the migration plan, its timeline, and its potential impact on their work. Ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the migration plan and their roles and responsibilities in its implementation.

Executing the Migration

Now that you’ve meticulously planned your migration to Microsoft 365 GCC or GCC High, it’s time to execute.

Backing up Data and Applications

Prior to migration, back up all critical data and applications to ensure that no information is lost during the transition. This involves creating comprehensive backups of mailboxes, documents, and other essential data to facilitate a smooth and secure migration process. Also, backup all applications and ensure that they are compatible with the target environment.

Migrating Mailboxes, Documents, and Other Data

The migration process involves transferring mailboxes, documents, and other data to the Microsoft 365 or Office 365 environment. This can be achieved through various methods such as cutover migration, staged migration, or IMAP migration, depending on your organization’s specific requirements and the size of the migration workload. Ensure that you adhere to best practices and performance considerations to ensure a seamless migration process.

Configuring and Deploying Microsoft 365 Services

After migrating the data, you need to configure and deploy Microsoft 365 services. This involves setting up user accounts, configuring security settings, and deploying collaboration and productivity tools to ensure that the organization’s workforce can seamlessly transition to the new environment. Proper configuration and deployment of services maintains productivity and operational continuity.

Testing the Migration and Resolving Issues

Once the migration is complete, thorough testing is necessary to identify and resolve any potential issues that may arise. This includes testing the functionality of migrated mailboxes, documents, and applications to ensure that they are fully operational in the new environment. Address any issues identified during testing promptly to minimize disruption and ensure a successful migration process.

Post-Migration Best Practices

A successful migration to Microsoft 365 GCC or GCC High is just the beginning. To maximize the benefits of this secure collaboration platform and ensure long-term success, consider these post-migration best practices: 

• Monitoring and maintaining the new environment by checking the system for any issues or errors, and ensuring that all security measures are up-to-date and functioning properly. 
• Ensuring compliance with regulations by reviewing and updating policies and procedures to ensure that they meet the requirements of GCC and GCC High. 
• Providing user training and support to ensure that all users are trained on the new system and are able to use it effectively and efficiently. 
• Continuously optimizing the Microsoft 365 environment by regularly reviewing and updating the system to ensure that it is running at optimal performance levels. 

Bottom Line

The migration to Microsoft 365 Government Community Cloud (GCC) and GCC High is a strategic initiative that empowers government agencies and regulated industries to leverage advanced cloud technologies while ensuring compliance with stringent security and regulatory requirements. From assessing the current IT infrastructure to executing the migration and implementing post-migration best practices, each phase of the migration process is critical for a successful transition to these specialized cloud environments.

At Agile IT, we specialize in delivering tailored solutions for government and regulated industries, offering comprehensive support and expertise to facilitate a seamless migration to Microsoft 365 GCC and GCC High. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your organization harnesses the full potential of these government-specific cloud environments while maintaining compliance and security at every step of the migration journey.