Technique

Benefits

Drawbacks

Relocate data using the MOVE command

• Retains document versions
• No risk of duplication, with two copies of the data (original and new location)
• An option is available to notify those with access to a document that it has been moved; a new link is provided
• Runs in cloud so browser or workstation does not need to be online or connected while moving files

• Cannot move documents larger than 15 GB
• Move cannot be executed for folders or groups of documents larger than 100 GB
• Links previously created to the data will break and must be recreated
• If the option is selected to notify those with access to documents about their new location, an email is sent for every document in a folder, potentially generating hundreds of emails very quickly

Relocate data using the COPY command

• Copy will generally move documents more quickly as only the current version of the document is moved
• Copying the data to its new location and then deleting it from the original location provides a safety net in the unlikely event there is a disruption or other issue during the data relocation
• Runs in cloud so browser or workstation does not need to be online or connected while copying files

• Only the current version of the document is retained
• Cannot move documents larger than 15 GB
• Move cannot be executed for folders or groups of documents larger than 100 GB
• Links previously created to the data will break and must be recreated

• Syncing allow files to be access from your file explore or Mac Finder.

• Can work with synced files directly in File Explorer and access files even when offline.  Any changes that are made will sync automatically when back online.

• Can move/copy large amounts of files between OneDrive and SharePoint.  

• Can use storage space on local workstation.
• When using the OneDrive website, you can only copy up to 2500 files at one time.
• For optimum performance, we recommend syncing no more than a total of 300,000 files across your cloud storage. Performance issues can occur if you have more than 300,000 items, even if you are not syncing all items.
• If you are uploading, downloading, or moving a large number of files at once, you may need to wait an extended period of time before the sync process can complete. The desktop app task bar or menu bar status icon will show “syncing” or "processing changes" during this period.

Method

Benefits

Drawbacks

Create the folder hierarchy needed in the new location and grant access to folder(s)/library. Move or Copy the documents/folders from the current location to the new hierarchy; security settings will be applied.

• Managed permissions in one place for all files, simpler permissions.
• Does not send email with links to documents.
• Helps clean up permissions

• Have to set up new permissions prior to moving.
• Some users may lose permissions

Create the folder hierarchy needed in the new location. Move the data to the new location, selecting “Keep sharing with same people”.

• Users who have access to the content will retain access to the content in the new location.
• Users will receive links to the documents in the new location

• Granular permissions my be applied to new folder making more difficult to manage permissions.
• All users receive and email with a link to the new folder location
• Target library may not allow permissions to be migrated over