Successfully combining two large AD and O365 environments

Metso and Outotec’s merger required the reorganisation of two separate IT infrastructures into a unified governance model. The project included combining two large Microsoft Active Directory and O365 environments, managing email routing changes, preventing downtime for a global organisation, and coordinating with application owners to test all functionalities in advance. 

The project began with a detailed survey of the existing operating environments and working methods, which formed the basis for the project plan. Context& was responsible for the technological aspects of the plan, including estimating the project duration, cost, and the most suitable migration approach.

The migration was carried out in two phases. In the first phase, the majority of the data was transferred in advance without visible changes for end users. The second phase focused on transferring changed data and making end users aware of the migration. Special attention was paid to email routing due to a domain change following the merger.

Project progress was tracked using sprints, and Context& integrated its work with Metso Outotec’s JIRA task management system. End-user communication was supported through information sessions, training events, and written instructions, with guidelines continuously updated based on feedback from service desks and local support units.

The project began with a survey of existing operating environments and methods, forming the basis of a detailed plan created by Context&. The approach included compiling migration lists, testing technical capabilities with application owners, and determining the migration schedule and method. The migration was executed in two phases: first transferring most data without affecting end users, then migrating only changed data with user‑facing communication. Special attention was given to email routing, as the email domain had changed at the beginning of the merger. Context& integrated with Metso Outotec’s JIRA system, enabling close tracking through sprints, and supported the preparation of guidelines, training materials, and technical support processes.