Scenario 1: PreFlight checking for corrupt or problematic PST files
The PST Flightdeck allows you run a “Preflight check” against you PST files in order to identify PST files that can not be migrated without user or administrator intervention.
This includes:
- Password protected PSTs
- Corrupt PSTs
- Empty PSTs
- “Orphaned PSTs” that cannot be matched against a mailbox or user
By knowing which files can be safely migrated and which ones need additional treatment, you can optimize the migration queue and reduce the number of errors during the migration.
A typical PreflightChecking approach can be found below:
- Passwords are normally removed before the backup to ensure we can operate on the files.
- We suggest taking a backup before the files are actually processed – this will enable you to go back and reprocess or deliver the original file back to the end user in support cases.
- The ANSItoUnicode conversion module is there to ensure that all files are converted to Unicode format for a smooth ingestion.
- Remove any unwanted content via the Filter module to ensure that old recurring calendar items do not pop up again – or even a filter that only allows data younger than X years to be migrated.
- Ingest – is the last PostProcess that ingests the data into Enterprise Vault or the Exchange secondary mailbox.
Scenario 2: End user training and acceptance of the PST Migration policies
As PST Migrations involve important end-user data, many companies see a need to involve the end-user at some point during the process. Due to the strict privacy laws in some countries, the user’s buy-in is even legally required. With the PST Flightdeck, you can now automate this process and make sure your users are prepared for the upcoming PST migration.
This includes:
- Sending of email notifications with links to the web-based training and policy management app
- Resending of mails until the user successfully logs-in and completes the workflow
- Online training for end-users, explaining the changes in the Outlook client and the impacts of the corporate retention policies
- Display a customizable “E-Mail archiving and retention policy” that the user needs to accept or decline
- Follow up “Declines” or Help requests
Scenario 3: End user selection and management of the PST migration
In many companies, PST files are the most important information repository for power users and knowledge workers. Often those employees manage their own PST environment by creating backup copies, moving private data to separate PSTs or sharing data with co-workers utilizing the Outlook personal folders.
PST Flightdeck can optionally add an end-user work flow that enables the user to select the relevant PSTs, authorize the migration and optionally delete backup-copies or PSTs that contain private information or data not suitable for corporate retention (jokes, newsletters).
A preview of the PSTs content helps the end-user to make informed decisions about what needs to be kept and what can be deleted.
Of course all actions utilize the built-in reporting facility.
Scenario 4: Optimizing server load and bandwidth requirements
Large PST Migration projects normally require migrating data from multiple sites. No matter if you have to focus on the PSTs stored on remote user’s machines or if you have to ingest data from file-servers in remote locations – the process of transferring the data will always have an impact on your IT infrastructure.
The PST Flightdeck introduces the concept of “PST sites” to EV and helps you defining the maximum bandwidth available to EV. This prevents Enterprise Vault from putting more files from distant locations in the queue than the network connection can handle. You can also set limits on the maximum server utilization, ensuring that defined service levels for searches and response times are being met.
Scenario 5: Full scale reporting and audits for each and every file
With EV, you have deployed the most advanced migration product available. Does the migration still seem like a black-box to you?
The PST Flightdeck adds a full featured dashboard that shows you exactly where you are with your project. This is an essential tool that helps you to see issues, check performance and predict timescales. Customizable reports can be created that can be forwarded to other stakeholders in the project, showing the actual status, the progress over time and the number of remaining files.
You’ll surely be asked about your project status – let the PST Flightdeck dashboard and reports speak for you…