​​Meta Workplace is being Sunset, what now?​ 

Meta Workplace, originally introduced as a digital platform for internal communication and collaboration, has played a pivotal role in connecting teams across various organisations. Launched to leverage the familiarity and functionality of social networking within a corporate environment, Meta Workplace has enabled employees to share information, collaborate on projects, and build community through features such as chat, video calls, and groups. 

However, as technology evolves, so do the needs of modern enterprises. The decision has been made to retire Meta Workplace, with the official sunset planned for June 1st, 2026. This move is driven by the necessity to adopt more advanced and integrated solutions that can better serve the dynamic needs of today’s digital workspace. 

Meta Workplace Timeline: 

• Until August 31, 2025: You will be able to continue using Workplace as usual. 

• September 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026: Workplace will only be accessible to read and download existing data. 

• June 1, 2026: Access to Workplace will be removed by Meta and all Workplaces will be deleted. 

Viable alternatives 

In seeking alternatives to Meta Workplace, three solutions have emerged as front-runners: Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Workvio. 

Teams and Slack offer comprehensive tools for communication, collaboration, and project management, and are both designed to integrate seamlessly with other enterprise applications, providing a cohesive and efficient digital workspace. Similarly, Workvivo has distinguished itself with its robust features and strong focus on community engagement, making it an ideal successor to Meta Workplace. 

Moving to Workvivo 

Workvivo is a comprehensive digital platform designed to enhance internal communication and collaboration within organisations. Much like Meta Workplace, Workvivo enables employees to share information, engage in real-time conversations, and foster a sense of community through various interactive features such as newsfeeds, chat, and video conferencing. However, Workvivo goes beyond the traditional functionalities of Meta Workplace by offering a more integrated and user-friendly experience. 

One of the key advantages of Workvivo is its seamless migration process, which is facilitated through Zoom's advanced automation tools. This ensures that all data from Meta Workplace is securely transferred to Workvivo without any loss of data. The migration process is designed to be efficient and thorough, minimising downtime and ensuring that all users can transition smoothly to the new platform with minimal training. 

Workvivo serves as a gateway to the entire Zoom suite, providing users with access to an array of powerful tools for communication and collaboration. From video meetings and webinars to file sharing and project management; the integration with Zoom enhances the overall functionality of Workvivo, making it a robust solution for modern enterprises. 

Data Protection and Security 

Workvivo places a strong emphasis on data protection and compliance with local regulations. The platform is designed to store data within designated regions, ensuring adherence to data sovereignty laws. By leveraging cloud infrastructure that allows for regional data residency, Workvivo ensures that all user data is stored and processed within the geographic boundaries required by local regulations. This not only enhances security but also instils confidence among users regarding the privacy and integrity of their information. 

Furthermore, Workvivo implements robust encryption protocols both in transit and at rest, safeguarding data against unauthorised access and breaches. The platform undergoes regular security audits and complies with international standards such as GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant data protection regulations. This commitment to data security and compliance positions Workvivo as a trusted solution for organisations looking to protect their sensitive information while fostering a collaborative digital workspace. 

Moving to Teams 

Among the top contenders to replace Meta Workplace is Microsoft Teams, with its comprehensive suite of tools and seamless integration with other Microsoft applications.  

Migrating from Meta Workplace to Microsoft Teams involves several key steps. 

1. Planning and Preparation

It is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of the current usage, data, and workflows within Meta Workplace. This involves identifying the key features and data that need to be transferred, as well as any potential gaps that need to be addressed during the migration process. Creating a detailed migration plan with timelines, responsibilities, and milestones will help ensure a smooth transition. 

2. Data Export

The next step is to export data from Meta Workplace. Meta provides tools and documentation to help organisations export their data, including messages, files, and user information. It is important to follow the provided guidelines to ensure that all relevant data is accurately exported and ready for migration. 

3. Setting Up Microsoft Teams

Once the data is exported, the next step is to set up Microsoft Teams. This involves creating teams and channels that mirror the structure of the existing Meta Workplace environment. Administrators should configure settings and permissions to align with the organisation's requirements and ensure that all users have the necessary access and privileges. 

4. Data Migration

With the Teams environment set up, the next step is to migrate the data. This process can be facilitated using various automation tools that streamline the transfer of data from Meta Workplace to Microsoft Teams. These tools ensure that messages, files, and other relevant data are securely transferred without any loss or corruption. 

Migration to Microsoft Teams is potentially as simple as a Workvivo migration, but requires use of tools like Power Automate, part of the Microsoft Power Platform. Organisations can design and implement automated processes to transfer data from Meta Workplace to Microsoft Teams, ensuring a seamless and efficient migration. Power Automate also allows for the integration of other Microsoft applications, enhancing the overall functionality of the migration process. 

Conclusion 

It is imperative to complete the migration from Meta Workplace before the system transitions to read-only mode. Among the available options, there are three enterprise-grade solutions that could serve as suitable replacements. The choice of platform will depend on your vendor preference and specific organisational needs. Regardless of the direction chosen, CDW is well-equipped to assist with understanding the migration process and ensuring a seamless transition. By leveraging our expertise, organisations can continue to empower their end users and build robust workflows on the new platform, maintaining productivity and collaboration.