Migrating to Microsoft GCC High isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic move to align with federal compliance standards and protect sensitive data. But it’s also a shift that requires planning, coordination, and a clear understanding of what’s involved. Before you begin the transition, there are a few key things every government contractor should know.
1. Not Everyone Is Eligible
GCC High is restricted to organizations that meet specific criteria. You’ll need to prove:
You work with the Department of Defense or other U.S. federal agencies
You handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or export-controlled data
Your work falls under DFARS, ITAR, or other regulatory frameworks
Your organization will go through Microsoft’s validation process before you can even purchase the licenses.
2. You’ll Need New Licenses and a New Tenant
GCC High exists in a completely separate environment from Microsoft 365 Commercial or GCC. This means:
You’ll need to repurchase and reassign licenses
Your new tenant will not share services with your old one
Apps, identities, and data must be migrated from scratch
That’s why many organizations turn to professional GCC High migration services to avoid missteps and minimize disruption.
3. Third-Party App Compatibility Is Limited
Many third-party apps and integrations used in commercial Microsoft 365 environments are not approved for use in GCC High.
Before migrating, assess:
Which apps you rely on daily
Whether compliant alternatives exist
How workflows might change post-migration
Planning for this shift early helps avoid surprises later.
4. Migrations Require Strategic Planning
A successful GCC High migration includes:
Pre-migration assessment of data, devices, and users
Security and compliance baseline reviews
Detailed change management and user communication plans
Post-migration validation and policy enforcement
Cutting corners here can result in major compliance issues or downtime.
5. User Training Is a Must
GCC High may look and feel similar to Commercial Microsoft 365—but under the hood, things behave differently. Help users adjust with:
Guided training
Updated documentation
Clear expectations about what’s changing and why