Guide to Migrate Office 365 to Zimbra Collaboration

  author
Rollins Duke   
Published: May 10th, 2024 • 5 Min Read

Several Microsoft 365 users have the desire to migrate Office 365 to Zimbra collaboration (desktop and cloud) to meet their business requirements. This article provides insight into various methods for accomplishing this Office 365 to Zimbra migration.

Zimbra Collaboration is a software suite that provides email server and webmail client capabilities. It can be deployed locally with Zimbra Desktop or accessed remotely via a web client with account credentials. Zimbra Collaboration is an attractive option for users due to its competitive pricing.

Read Similar: Best Approach to Migrate Zimbra to Office 365

4 Quick Steps to Migrate Microsoft 365 to Zimbra

  1. Configure your Office 365 account with Zimbra.
  2. Wait for the synchronization of the Microsoft 365 account.
  3. Export Office 365 emails from Zimbra in TGZ format.
  4. Cancel your Microsoft 365 subscription plan.

Note: To migrate Office 365 data to Zimbra Collaboration, the user must first export the data into a TGZ file. This file can then be used with any version of the Zimbra desktop and web client editions. Let’s discuss all the above 4 steps in detail.

Step 1: Configure Your Office 365 Account with Zimbra

  1. Download and install the freeware Zimbra desktop on your computer.
  2. Select Add New Account option and choose Account Type as IMAP.
  3. Fill your Microsoft 365 account information and press Validate and Save button.

Note: IMAP should be enabled while configuring your account with Zimbra.

Step 2: Wait for the Synchronization of the Microsoft 365 Account

After successful authentication of the account, the Office 365 data will be synced with the Zimbra Desktop. It is necessary to wait until the synchronization process is completed. This operation enables to download Office 365 emails on Zimbra desktop. It is important to bear in mind that the computer must be connected to an active internet connection during the synchronization process.

Step 3: Export Office 365 Emails from Zimbra in TGZ Format

Just follow these steps to export Office 365 data from Zimbra in TGZ compressed format.

  1. Run your Zimbra desktop client on your machine.
  2. Choose the Preferences option from the menu bar.
  3. Select the Import/ Export option to continue.
  4. Enable the Zimbra data that you want to export.
  5. Click on the Export button and browse the destination path to store the TGZ file.
  6. Get the resultant TGZ file from a selected location.

Step 4: Cancel Your Microsoft 365 Subscription Plan

  1. Login to your Microsoft 365 account using the admin credentials.
  2. Go to the Manage Subscriptions page.
  3. Thereafter, choose the Cancel Subscription option.
  4. You can also select the Request a call back option if required.

Note: If you cancel your Office 365 subscription, you can use cPanel to manage your email accounts. If you want to use the free Zimbra software, this is a good option.

Limitations of Manual Method

It is evident that the Office 365 to Zimbra Collaboration migration process involves four distinct phases, each with multiple steps. This migration process is highly intricate and can be expected to take a considerable amount of time to complete.

The task of migrating from Microsoft 365 to Zimbra necessitates a comprehensive understanding of technical concepts and processes. Consequently, users who lack technical expertise may encounter difficulties while attempting to execute the migration.

Recommended: Export Office 365 Mailboxes to PST File Extension

Use Office 365 to Zimbra Migration Tool

The BitRecover Office 365 Backup Tool offers an exclusive option to migrate Office 365 emails to Zimbra collaboration. This software, alternatively known as Office 365 to Zimbra Migration Tool, is available with a free demo version for users to assess the migration process. The trial version of the software permits a maximum of 25 items to be transferred from each folder. Upgrading to the full version can be done after testing the efficiency of the software.

How to Migrate Office 365 to Zimbra Collaboration?

  1. Launch Office 365 to Zimbra Migration Tool on your computer.
    office 365 to zimbra migration tool
  2. Enter your Microsoft 365 email address and press Login.
    microsoft 365 email id
  3. Fill the password of your O365 account and hit Sign in.
    enter office 365 password
  4. Now software is adding M365 folders in the software interface.
    adding office 365 data
  5. Select the required folders Office 365 folders accordingly.
    select required folders
  6. Use Filter Options for selective Office 365 to Zimbra migration.
    use filters
  7. Choose Zimbra from the list of available saving options.
    select zimbra
  8. Click the Change button to browse a specific destination path.
    migrate- office 365 to zimbra
  9. Press Backup to start exporting Office 365 emails in Zimbra TGZ.
    office 365 to zimbra migration
  10. The Office 365 to Zimbra migration process has been completed successfully.
    completed successfully
  11. Get the resultant TGZ file from a selected location.
    resultant tgz files
  12. Lastly, open your Zimbra desktop or cloud and import the resultant TGZ file.
    import tgz file

Manual Method Vs Professional Method

Manual Method Professional Method
This is a specific method that allows migrating Microsoft 365 to Zimbra only. Microsoft 365 to Zimbra Migration Tool comes with multiple saving options.
A lengthy and time-consuming method that can be completed within 4 phases. This is an easy-to-use software that can resolve your query within 2 phases.
It requires technical knowledge about account configuration, IMAP settings, import, and export processes. This is a fully automatic solution so all technical and non-technical users can use it effortlessly.
There are no filter options available with the manual method. This software has several advance filters for selective migration.
It allows to migrate Office 365 to Zimbra one by one. It supports bulk Office 365 to Zimbra migration process.
Ending Lines

In this article, we have discussed the complete steps to migrate Office 365 to Zimbra Server using the 2 different approaches. We have tested both techniques in BitRecover Lab and seems these methods work successfully. However, this is advisable to use Office 365 to Zimbra Migration Tool to get 100% accurate results with a full guarantee.

Read Similar: Top 2 Ways to Migrate Outlook.com to Office 365