When an Active Directory design is in place, you can begin planning the migration. Various migration strategies can be used, depending on the existing network infrastructure. During this phase of Active Directory design, you need to assess the current infrastructure and determine the best way to migrate to Active Directory (more specifically, the best way to migrate to the Active Directory infrastructure that has been designed). Three different migration paths are available:
In-place UpgradeWith an in-place upgrade, the existing domain infrastructure is maintained. One of the advantages of choosing this migration path is that a business can maintain its current administrative and IT structures. Also, because there is little change, the effect on users is minimized. Planning for an in-place upgrade includes the following:
Domain RestructuringThe difference between an in-place upgrade and domain restructuring is that an in-place upgrade maintains the existing domain infrastructure. In domain restructuring, the existing domain infrastructure is altered to meet the business requirements. For example, existing resource domains might be consolidated into organizational units. One of the benefits of choosing to restructure the existing domain infrastructure is that it provides an opportunity to fix any problems that exist with the current model.
New Active Directory EnvironmentThe third option for migration is to create a new Active Directory environment. You'll need to determine the costs and effects associated with domain restructuring or an in-place upgrade when deciding whether to create a new Active Directory environment. You'll also need to compare the existing domain structure with the new proposed Active Directory infrastructure. Plan to create new Active Directory domains for those domains that cannot be upgraded or restructured. |