Upgrading from SharePoint 2013 Foundation to SharePoint Subscription Edition – Total Calibration

Upgrading from SharePoint 2013 Foundation to SharePoint Subscription Edition (SE) is a multi-step process that requires intermediate upgrades to ensure compatibility and data integrity. This guide provides a high-level overview of the necessary steps to help you plan a successful migration.

Step 1: Preparation and Environment Assessment

Back Up All Data: Begin by backing up your content databases This is critical to ensure data safety throughout the process.
Review Content & Customisations: Inventory all your content, features, and customisations in the SharePoint 2013 Foundation environment. Note third-party add-ins, workflows, and any custom developments that may need to be reworked in newer versions.

Step 2: Upgrade to SharePoint Server 2016

Set Up a New SharePoint 2016 Environment: Provision a new SharePoint Server 2016 farm. Make sure it is connected to a supported SQL Server version (e.g., SQL Server 2016 or 2017).
Move Content Databases: Detach your content databases from the SharePoint 2013 environment and attach them to the new SharePoint 2016 farm.
Upgrade Content Databases: Use PowerShell (‘Mount-SPContentDatabase’) to upgrade the content databases once they are attached to SharePoint 2016. Verify the functionality of the farm, including custom solutions and service applications.

Step 3: Upgrade to SharePoint Server 2019

Provision a SharePoint 2019 Farm: Set up a new SharePoint Server 2019 farm. Again, connect it to a supported version of SQL Server.
Move and Upgrade Databases: Detach the databases from the SharePoint 2016 environment and attach them to the SharePoint 2019 farm using PowerShell to upgrade.

Step 4: Upgrade to SharePoint Subscription Edition (SE)

Set Up the SharePoint SE Farm: Provision a new SharePoint Subscription Edition farm. This environment can utilise SQL Server 2019, which is supported.
Upgrade the Content Databases: Detach the content databases from the SharePoint 2019 environment and attach them to the SharePoint SE farm using ‘Mount-SPContentDatabase’ to upgrade.

Step 5: Testing and Validation

Test the Environment: After each upgrade, thoroughly test the environment to ensure everything functions as expected. Pay special attention to workflows, features, and custom solutions.
Address Compatibility Issues: Resolve any issues that arise due to deprecated features or incompatibilities between SharePoint versions.

Step 6: Finalisation and Migration

Reconfigure Services and Solutions: Configure any required services, farm-level settings, and custom solutions in the new SharePoint SE environment.
Migrate Users and Data: Ensure user permissions and all related data are successfully migrated and functioning properly.
Decommission Older Environments: Once everything is validated, decommission the old SharePoint environments to avoid confusion or unintended use.

Key Considerations

Sequential Upgrades Required: You must perform each version upgrade sequentially. Skipping versions can lead to significant compatibility issues.
SQL Server Compatibility: Each SharePoint version has specific requirements for SQL Server compatibility. Ensure you are using a supported version at each step.
Custom Solutions: Any custom developments or third-party add-ins may need modification or replacement to be compatible with newer versions.

This multi-stage process ensures your SharePoint content is properly migrated and updated for compatibility with SharePoint Subscription Edition. By following these steps, you can reduce risks and streamline the upgrade path for your organisation.