Migration to Microsoft 365
Central Piedmont is moving to Microsoft 365 (M365) for our office applications, collaboration tools, and file storage.
We are excited to announce that the M365 suite will be available by the end of the Spring 2024 semester. The migration will tentatively conclude in May 2024. The Google Suite will remain available for 120 days after the migration.
This page exists to help students, faculty, and staff understand the need for this project, how it will help us improve productivity, and to share updates on when changes will occur. Employees who have questions about M365 can join the Microsoft 365 (Office) Users Group in WebEx.
View the Timeline | Frequently Asked Questions
Why are we migrating to Microsoft?
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Collaboration
M365 offers robust collaboration tools that allow students, faculty, and staff to work together in real-time, regardless of location. Features such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint enable seamless communication and collaboration.
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Accessibility
M365 is cloud-based, meaning that users can access their documents, email, and other tools from any device with an internet connection. This flexibility can be crucial for students and faculty who need to work from various locations.
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Integration
M365 integrates well with a wide range of educational tools and systems. This can make it easier for institutions to connect various aspects of their IT infrastructure, creating a more streamlined user experience.
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Scalability
The cloud-based nature of M365 allows for easy scalability, meaning the system can grow or shrink based on the college's needs. This can be particularly beneficial for colleges that have fluctuating student populations.
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Cost-Effectiveness
By migrating to a cloud-based system like M365, the college may reduce costs associated with maintaining physical servers and other on-premises infrastructure.
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Security and Compliance
M365 offers robust security features and compliance certifications that can be appealing to institutions needing to protect sensitive data.
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Continual Updates and Support
M365 provides ongoing updates and support, ensuring that the institution always has access to the latest features, security updates, and technical assistance.