There are scenarios when users need to migrate Zimbra to Zimbra i.e. Zimbra Collaboration Server (ZCS). If you are also fighting such a conundrum, this blog has all the answers. To migrate from ZCS to ZCS (Zimbra Collaboration Server) you first need to back up your Zimbra data. After that, you need to export your mailbox with the Zimbra mailbox managing utility i.e. zmmailbox. Finally, use the SCP (Simple Copy Protocol) to transfer them to the destination server and import the mailboxes using postRestURL. To have a complete actual working steps tutorial please read the complete blog sections.
Common Instances to Migrate Zimbra to New Server
Upgrading to the New Zimbra Version: When upgrading to the new version of Zimbra it is essential to migrate Zimbra to Zimbra with all data including contacts, calendars, email folders, etc. Ensure to keep a backup of your existing ZCS data so that you have a copy of your Zimbra data in case of some disaster.
Moving Zimbra to a Different Zimbra Server: The scenario involves transiting from one virtual or cloud server to another server. In such instances, you need to perform a complete Zimbra to Zimbra migration. This can be done by exporting the mailboxes and server configurations.
Merging Different Accounts to Single Zimbra Server: The scenario is common when two organizations are grouping up or merging different Zimbra servers into one centralized virtual or cloud server. So, in such instances, expert solutions are reliable to prevent any conflict or data loss.
Zimbra Cloud to On-Premise Zimbra Transition or Vice-Versa: Migrating Zimbra On-Premise to Zimbra Cloud or reverse involves careful planning and execution of Zimbra to Zimbra migration. This involves the planned exporting of Zimbra data under expert professionals and applying necessary adjustments in DNS MX records.
Best Solution to Migrate Zimbra to New Server
To securely and flawlessly migrate Zimbra to Zimbra with contacts, calendars, and other data. Users can choose the expert-suggested solution i.e. all-in-one Zimbra converter. Thus, this solution is the only standout utility that can transfer Zimbra On-Premise or Zimbra Cloud dedicatedly. Another advantage of this utility is its advanced filter settings that can be helpful in staged Zimbra to new server migration. Now let’s have a quick overview of the working steps of the utility.
Migrate Zimbra to Zimbra Using Expert Solution – Quick Steps
- At the start, download and launch the Zimbra to Zimbra Migration tool on your PC.
- Now, for complete data migration add the Zimbra TGZ files or folder to the tool console.
- Choose the Convert option from the ribbon & enable the mailboxes required to migrate.
- Now, select the All folders option and choose the saving option as IMAP from the list.
- Then, if you need to selectively migrate Zimbra to a new server choose the Filter options.
- Next, enter IMAP details for the destination Zimbra server & click on the Convert option.
- Finally, wait for the process to complete and check the saving log to identify all the data is successfully migrated from Zimbra to Zimbra.
Manual Approach for Zimbra Migration to New Server
The Zimbra terminal also offers the command-line approach to migrate Zimbra to another server. Ensure you have the proper knowledge to run the terminal before starting the migration process. This methodology will also be able to migrate complete Zimbra user data. However, you need to migrate it one by one for each Zimbra user but this technology also suits Zimbra migrate to new server. Now let’s have a quick overview of the operational steps of the techniques.
Zimbra Migrate to New Server Using the Terminal
- First, backup the Zimbra data for the source server by running the zmbackup command.
- Next, export the Zimbra data using zmmailbox utility command as described below.
zmmailbox -z -m user@example.com getRestURL "//?fmt=zip" > /backup/user@example.com.zip - Then, transfer the mailbox with SCP (secure copying protocol) to the destination server.
scp /backup/*.zip zimbra@destination_server:/opt/zimbra/backup/ - Now, on the destination Zimbra server use PostRestURL to import the Zimbra destination to the server.
zmmailbox -z -m user@example.com postRestURL "//?fmt=zip" /opt/zimbra/backup/user@example.com.zip - Finally, verify that ZCS to ZCS migration has been successfully completed by checking the user mailbox.
Note: For Zimbra to Zimbra cloud migration the steps may be a little bit different. Without having a deep knowledge of the Zimbra server and Zimbra cloud server it is not suggested to go with the DIY technique. Secondly, you need to migrate Zimbra to new server for each user one by one.
Constraints of Using the DIY Technique
- The DIY approach is full of technicalities it requires a deep understanding of the terminal command and server structure for accurate migration. Without having proper knowledge there are chances to have crucial data loss.
- Another pitfall of using the manual methodology is that it is a very time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Therefore, experts never recommend this utility for large-scale ZCS to ZCS migration.
- It is recommended to perform the migration task under expert guidance. Any wrong step may lead to malfunctioning in the current or destination Zimbra server.
Quick Tips & Tricks to Minimize Downtime for Zimbra to Zimbra Migration
Perform Migration During Off-Peak Hours: It is always recommended to execute the migration process during the off-peak hours. This trick can help you minimize downtime and maintain organizational productivity.
Stagger Mailbox Migration: Always split the user’s need to migrate from Zimbra to Zimbra. Keeping this step involved in your migration process will help you to avoid server load during the process of Zimbra to new server migration.
Test Before Full Migration: The most important tip to remember before starting the Zimbra-to-Zimbra migration process. Always test the migration with a small batch of data. It will help you to mitigate any risk of errors during the complete migration process.
Which Approach is Best to Migrate Zimbra to Zimbra? Manual or DIY
| Criteria | DIY Technique | Automated Utility |
| Ease of Use | High | Minimal |
| Time Consumption | Very High | Depending Upon the Data Volume |
| Risk of Data Loss | High | Low |
| Technical Knowledge Required | Yes | No |
| Expert Guidance Required | Yes | No |
| Data Integrity | Risky | High |
Final Words
To wrap up the above digital column on the topic migrate Zimbra to Zimbra without data loss. We have discussed the common scenarios for transferring Zimbra from one server to another server. Moreover, we have discovered the expert solution along with the dedicated working steps for Zimbra to another server migration. Additionally. we have also seen the manual techniques offered by Zimbra to perform ZCS to ZCS migration. Secondly, we have seen some tips to minimize downtime during transiting from Zimbra to another server. Finally, we have uncovered the comparison of manual and automated approaches based on necessary criteria.