Seamless Google Workspace Migration for Western Canada
Google Workspace is the collaboration platform of choice for many growing businesses in BC and AB: Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and Calendar in one tightly integrated suite. Migrating from an existing platform - whether that is Microsoft 365, on-premises Exchange, or another provider - requires careful planning to avoid lost email, broken calendars, or confused staff. North Star handles the migration end-to-end so your team lands in Google Workspace on day one without missing a message.
What does a Google Workspace migration involve?
A Google Workspace migration starts with provisioning your Google Workspace tenant, configuring your domain DNS, and setting up user accounts and security policies (including two-factor authentication, which North Star enforces by default). Email, contacts, and calendar data are migrated using the Google Workspace Migration for Microsoft Exchange (GWMME) tool or equivalent, with a period of parallel running where both platforms receive email. On cutover day, DNS is switched and the old platform is retired. North Star also configures Google Vault for email archiving if required, sets up Shared Drives, and runs a training session for your team covering the differences between Google Workspace and whatever they used before. Most migrations complete in two to four weeks.
What North Star delivers.
Admin configuration, security policies, and domain verification.
Your Google Workspace tenant configured with appropriate user accounts, organisation units, security defaults, and admin audit logging before any data is moved.
Full email history migrated with folder structure preserved.
Existing email, contacts, and calendar data migrated to Google. Labels replace folders. Nothing is lost in translation.
Both platforms receive email until cutover.
During the migration window, email is delivered to both the old and new platform. Your team can access both while getting familiar with Google, then cutover is a clean switch.
Google Drive setup with Shared Drives for team files.
Personal Drive for individual files, Shared Drives for team and company documents - with appropriate access controls configured from the start.
Practical session covering the differences that matter.
North Star runs a 60-90 minute training session covering Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and Meet for your staff. Q&A included. Recorded on request.
What buyers ask before they sign.
How long does a Google Workspace migration take?
For most SMBs with up to 50 users, a Google Workspace migration takes two to four weeks from kick-off to final cutover. Larger organisations or those with large mailboxes (50GB+) may need longer for data migration.
Will we lose any email during the migration?
No. North Star uses a parallel-running approach where both platforms receive email simultaneously during the migration window. Nothing is lost.
What does a Google Workspace migration cost?
Migration professional services for an SMB are typically $2,000 to $8,000 depending on user count, data volume, and source platform complexity. Google Workspace licensing is billed directly by Google at $7 to $18 USD per user per month depending on the edition.
Can we keep some users on Microsoft 365 and move others to Google Workspace?
Running both platforms long-term creates collaboration friction and higher costs. North Star generally recommends choosing one platform and migrating fully. However, if your situation genuinely requires a split, we can design a coexistence configuration.
Does North Star manage our Google Workspace tenant after migration?
Yes. North Star offers Google Workspace administration as part of a managed IT retainer, covering user provisioning, security policy management, licensing optimisation, and support.
Ready to migrate to Google Workspace?
Tell us about your environment and we will come back with a scoped proposal in two business days. No obligation, no pressure.
Start Your Free Assessment Back to CloudFrequently asked questions
How long does a Google Workspace migration typically take?
The timeline for Google Workspace migration services depends on the volume of data and the number of users involved. A small business with twenty users might complete a migration in a few days, whereas a mid-market firm with hundreds of employees may require several weeks of planning and execution. Northstar IT creates a detailed project roadmap to ensure timelines are met without disrupting your daily business operations in British Columbia or Alberta.
Will our business experience downtime during the migration?
Our goal is to achieve zero downtime for your team. By using advanced migration tools and performing the bulk of the data transfer in the background, we can ensure that your staff continues to work without interruption. The final cutover is typically scheduled during off-peak hours to ensure a smooth transition. We provide constant communication throughout the process so your team knows exactly what to expect when they log in.
Can you migrate data from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace?
Yes, we frequently handle migrations from Microsoft 365 to Google Workspace. This process involves transferring emails, calendar invites, contacts, and files stored in OneDrive or SharePoint. Our experts ensure that folder structures are maintained and that permissions are correctly mapped in the new Google environment. We also provide training to help your staff adjust to the different interface and collaboration tools found within the Google ecosystem.
Is my data secure during a cloud migration?
Security is our highest priority at Northstar IT. We use encrypted channels for all data transfers and follow strict compliance protocols to protect sensitive information. Our team also configures your new Google Workspace environment with robust security settings, including multi-factor authentication and advanced phishing protection, to ensure your business is defended against modern cyber threats from the moment you go live.