Rackspace to AWS migration

Reasons to migrate from Rackspace to AWS

If you're considering a switch from Rackspace to AWS or Amazon WorkMail, there are several compelling reasons to make the move. Here are some key features that make Amazon WorkMail a preferred choice over Rackspace:

• Enhanced Security: AWS and Amazon WorkMail provide a secure business email and calendaring service that is compatible with various email clients on desktop and mobile devices. You can trust the robust security measures implemented by AWS to protect your data.
• Improved Performance: AWS offers high-speed performance for data management in the cloud. With AWS infrastructure, you can experience efficient and reliable email services, ensuring seamless communication within your organization.
• Control and Flexibility: By migrating to Amazon WorkMail, you can integrate it with your existing corporate directory, giving you complete control over encryption keys and the storage location of your data. This level of control enhances data privacy and compliance with your organization's policies.
• Versatile Accessibility: Amazon WorkMail enables users to access their emails, contacts, and calendar events using popular email clients like Microsoft Outlook, web browsers, and native iOS and Android email programs. This flexibility ensures that users can seamlessly transition to the new email environment without disruptions.

Rackspace to AWS migration plan

Before embarking on the migration journey from Rackspace email to AWS, proper planning is crucial to ensure a successful and seamless transition. Follow the below checklists of important considerations:

1. Backup all mailboxes, folders, calendars, and contacts from the Rackspace source server to safeguard your data.
2. Streamline the migration process by removing any unused mailboxes, redundant mail items, and duplicate files from the source server.
3. Create an inventory of essential items including user email addresses, passwords, source and target server details, network settings, DNS configurations, MX records, firewall settings, licensing plans, data permissions, and any other dependencies.
4. Determine the size of the data and the number of mailboxes that will be migrated to AWS, enabling better resource allocation.
5. Choose between a cutover migration (migrating all data at once) or a staged migration (migrating data in phases) based on your specific requirements.
6. Estimate the time required for the migration, considering factors such as data size and network capabilities.
7. Ensure that your network has sufficient capacity and bandwidth to handle the migration process effectively.
8. Communicate the migration plan and upcoming changes to end users and stakeholders, minimizing disruptions and facilitating a smooth transition.
9. Conduct a test migration to identify and address any potential issues before proceeding with the actual migration.
10. Begin the migration process, ensuring that endpoints are correctly configured and MX records are updated as needed.
11. Decommission any unused apps and associated settings after the migration is successfully completed.

I. Pre migration activities for Rackspace to AWS migration

1. Enable IMAP settings on both the Rackspace and AWS servers.
2. Maintain a comprehensive record of email addresses and passwords for all users you intend to migrate from the Rackspace server.
3. Verify that you have the email address passwords for all users on AWS.

II. How to migrate from Rackspace to AWS server using EdbMails?

• Step 1: Download and Install EdbMails Software
  1. To get started, download the EdbMails software onto your computer having Windows Operating system. Once the download is complete, proceed with the installation process.

      See a detailed list of EdbMails system requirements for Rackspace to AWS migration.

  2. Now, Launch the EdbMails application. You have options to enter an email address and password to ‘Login’ or ‘Start Your Free Trial’.

     

  3. Select the migration option as IMAP migration

     

• Step 2: Connect to Rackspace Server
  • Choose the appropriate Host name for your Rackspace server. You can manually enter the host name provided by your Rackspace email service if it is not available in the list.
  • Select the SSL/TLS option to ensure a secure IMAP connection and enter the Port Number as 993, which is the standard port for secure IMAP connections.
  • Enter user details including your email address and password, to establish a connection with the Rackspace server.

  

   See steps to connect to single and multiple users in EdbMails IMAP migration

  

• Step 3: Select mailboxes from Rackspace and connect to AWS
  • Choose the specific mailboxes and folders you want to migrate from the source Rackspace server.
  • Select 'IMAP to IMAP' and establish a connection with the target server to proceed with the migration process.

  

   Tip: When using EdbMails for the first time, your migration will be a full migration. However, subsequent migrations from the same source to the target will be incremental.

  To further customize your migration, EdbMails provides additional options such as Include and Exclude filters. With these filters, you can selectively migrate emails based on criteria such as Date or Size. For example, you can choose to migrate emails within a specific date range or exclude larger size emails. These options give you more flexibility and control over the migration process to ensure it meets your specific needs.

• Step 4: Connect to target AWS server
  • Select the appropriate Host name for your AWS server based on your configuration.
  • Select the SSL / TLS option and specify the Port Number as 993 for a secure IMAP connection. Provide your email address and app password of the AWS account.

  

  Select the 'Multiple (bulk) Users / Accounts Migration' option if you wish to load multiple mailboxes . Download the sample CSV file and fill the necessary details, including mailbox name, password, host name, and port. Once you have filled in the required details, load the CSV file into the EdbMails application. You can then verify the list of mailboxes to ensure accuracy before proceeding with the migration process.

  

• Step 5: Map the mailboxes / folders between the source and target

  EdbMails automatically maps mailboxes and folders, saving you time and effort, especially with large mailboxes. You can also manually map specific source folders to their corresponding target folders for a precise migration.

  

• Step 6: Start the Rackspace to AWS migration

  Once the mapping of the mailboxes is done, start the migration process and you can monitor its progress. EdbMails provides a comprehensive log report in text format that allows you to verify the number of emails, folders, and mailbox items that have been successfully migrated. This report serves as a reliable point of reference to ensure the migration is completed successfully. Moreover, you have the flexibility to pause and resume the migration at any time, giving you complete control over the process.

III. Post-migration tasks

• Step 1: Update DNS records (MX record) to point to AWS
  • Updating MX Records:

    In order to redirect incoming email traffic from Rackspace to AWS, it is necessary to modify the MX records within your DNS provider's portal. This crucial step ensures that emails are correctly routed to your AWS account, ensuring a smooth transition.

  • Configuring AutoDiscover (CName):

    Include the AutoDiscover (CName) configuration in your DNS settings. This configuration facilitates the automatic set up of email clients, allowing for a seamless transition to AWS. By properly configuring the AutoDiscover (CName), email clients can connect to the AWS server without requiring manual configuration.

  • Establishing Rackspace Mail Forwarding:

    To prevent any email loss during the migration process, establish mail forwarding within your Rackspace account. This ensures that any incoming messages are forwarded to your AWS account until the migration is fully completed. Enabling mail forwarding allows you to stay connected and receive all your emails without interruption throughout the migration period.

• Step 2: Decommission or delete the user mailboxes on Rackspace server

  Once you have confirmed that you are successfully receiving emails on , you can proceed with decommissioning and disabling user mailboxes on the Rackspace source. Additionally, make sure to remove any licenses that have been assigned in Rackspace. Follow these steps to perform the necessary actions:

  1. Log in to the Rackspace Cloud Control Panel.
  2. Navigate to the ‘Email’ section and click on ‘Mailboxes.’
  3. Select the desired mailbox(es), whether it's a single mailbox or multiple ones.
  4. Locate the 'Manage' option adjacent to the specific mailbox, and then proceed to click on 'Delete Mailbox' in the upper-right corner.

Benefits of EdbMails Rackspace to AWS migration tool

EdbMails Rackspace to AWS migration tool offers several benefits for a seamless and efficient migration process:

1. User-Friendly Interface: EdbMails provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the migration process. With its intuitive design, users can easily navigate and utilize the tool without extensive technical knowledge.
2. Efficient Data Migration: The tool ensures a smooth and efficient transfer of data from Rackspace to AWS. It maintains data integrity and preserves the folder hierarchy, ensuring that all mailbox items, including emails, folders, subfolders are migrated accurately.
3. Incremental Migration: EdbMails supports incremental migration, allowing users to perform multiple migration passes without duplicating previously migrated data. This feature saves time and minimizes the risk of data loss during the transition.
4. Advanced Filter Options: Users can apply advanced filters during the migration process to selectively migrate specific mailbox items based on date range, subject, sender, or other criteria. This flexibility enables users to customize their migration and migrate only the necessary data.
5. Robust Reporting and Monitoring: EdbMails provides comprehensive reporting and monitoring features. You can track the progress of the migration, monitor mailbox item counts with the detailed log reports, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the migration process.
6. Pause and Resume Functionality: The tool offers the flexibility to pause and resume the migration process as needed. This feature is beneficial in case of interruptions or when you want to prioritize certain mailboxes for migration.
7. No Impact on Source Environment: During the migration, EdbMails ensures minimal impact on the source Rackspace environment.You can continue working with the mailboxes without any disruption while the migration is in progress.
8. Cost-Effective Solution: EdbMails offers a cost-effective solution for Rackspace to AWS migration. By automating the migration process and reducing manual effort, it helps save time, resources, and associated costs.