Top Questions to Ask Before Migrating to GCC High

Deciding to migrate to Microsoft GCC High is a significant step—especially for organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or work with the Department of Defense. But before you commit, it’s crucial to ask the right questions. The answers will shape your success, budget, timeline, and future compliance posture.

Here are the most important questions to ask—and how the right GCC High migration services partner can help you answer them.

1. Are We Eligible for GCC High?

Not all organizations qualify. Microsoft requires:

U.S.-based ownership and operations
U.S. citizen-only user base
Evidence of CUI, ITAR, or DFARS-regulated work
Licensing through an AOS-G partner

✅ Confirm eligibility early to avoid delays in provisioning your tenant.

2. What Are Our Compliance Drivers?

Why are you migrating? Common reasons include:

DFARS 7012 or ITAR data handling
Upcoming CMMC Level 2+ requirements
Federal contract clauses mandating FedRAMP High

✅ Understanding your regulatory obligations ensures the migration focuses on the right security and compliance outcomes.

3. What Needs to Be Migrated?

Inventory your environment:

Mailboxes and calendars
SharePoint and OneDrive files
Microsoft Teams chats and configurations
Identity infrastructure (Azure AD, MFA, etc.)
Third-party integrations and custom apps

✅ Accurate scoping helps your GCC High migration services provider deliver an effective, disruption-free plan.

4. What Tools and Workflows Will Be Affected?

GCC High operates in a more isolated environment. That means:

Some third-party tools won’t work
Automations may need to be rebuilt
Users will need to adjust to new login flows or features

✅ Plan for testing and remediation well in advance.

5. How Long Will the Migration Take?

Timelines vary based on:

Number of users
Complexity of environment
Licensing and tenant provisioning delays
Testing and training requirements

✅ Rushed migrations often lead to user disruption and compliance gaps—build in buffer time.

6. What Post-Migration Support Will We Need?

Even after cutover, you’ll need:

User training and adoption support
Monitoring and reporting tools
Ongoing security configuration reviews
Audit preparation documentation

✅ Ask your migration partner if they provide managed services post-move.

7. Who Should We Partner With?

Choose a provider that:

Has deep experience with GCC High
Understands both technical and compliance requirements
Is certified to sell GCC High licenses
Offers structured, audit-ready documentation

✅ GCC High migration services from a trusted provider reduce risk and ensure you’re contract-ready.

Migration to GCC High is a mission-critical move—not just a cloud transition. By asking these questions early, you can avoid costly pitfalls and build a secure, compliant foundation. The right GCC High migration services partner doesn’t just move your data—they help move your business forward.

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