What to Expect During a Relativity Server to RelativityOne Migration

In a recent blog, “Why Your Move from Relativity Server to RelativityOne Should Start Now," we discussed the need for organizations to move from Relativity Server to RelativityOne.

That shift is increasingly important as January 1, 2028, approaches. Beginning on that date, all new matters must be hosted in RelativityOne, the company’s cloud-based platform. While existing Server matters created before December 31, 2027, will continue to be supported, the change formalizes the platform’s transition to a cloud-first model.

For organizations still operating in Relativity Server environments, this means planning a migration. Moving from Relativity Server to RelativityOne requires careful preparation, but with the support of experienced partners, organizations can minimize disruption while gaining access to the capabilities available in the cloud platform.

Choosing a migration pathway

Organizations have two main options for migration. The self-service option offers access to RelativityOne's suite of data transfer tools. This method works well for organizations with established eDiscovery teams and strong internal technical expertise.

More often, however, organizations opt to work with partners, like Avalon, who have extensive experience managing migrations from various platforms and understand the typical challenges that occur. Litigation support companies who handle data migration use proven methodologies to ensure efficient data transfer while maintaining the defensibility required in litigation. Collaborating with an experienced partner also allows internal teams to concentrate on active cases instead of handling complex technical transitions.

Understanding the migration phases

The migration process usually follows three clear phases.

1. In the analysis and planning phase, Avalon's Relativity experts outline the overall project, set timelines, determine workspace priorities, and create communication plans for stakeholders. This stage includes filling out a data migration questionnaire and participating in kickoff meetings to align expectations. Avalon's team leverages experience from many previous migrations, helping organizations foresee challenges before they happen.
   
   
2. The enablement and training phase prepares teams for the actual migration work. Staff members learn the tools they will use and understand their specific responsibilities during the transition. Avalon provides guidance throughout this phase, ensuring that team members feel confident and prepared. This preparation significantly reduces the risk of errors during the critical migration phase.
   
   
3. Finally, the migration and support phase involves carrying out the actual workspace transfers in prioritized waves according to the project plan. Quality control reviews compare file sizes and counts, before and after migration, to ensure that nothing is lost. Avalon manages these validations carefully, providing documentation that meets defensibility requirements. A closing session with stakeholders records lessons learned and confirms successful completion.

Best practices for success

Successful migrations share common traits. Agreeing on goals and success metrics early prevents confusion later. Pilot workspaces minimize surprises and enable teams to accurately estimate workloads before addressing critical issues. Rushing the process increases risks, while careful sequencing helps avoid disruptions to ongoing cases.

Change management requires special focus. Migration is not just a technical task; it is an operational shift where maintaining continuity and defensibility is crucial. Stakeholders across the organization need to be prepared for new processes, technologies, and workflows. Avalon supports this shift by offering clear communication templates, training resources, and ongoing guidance throughout the process.

Organizations that view migration as a strategic initiative rather than just a technical task position themselves for long-term success. The move to RelativityOne provides real benefits, and partnering with an experienced team like Avalon ensures organizations achieve those benefits through careful planning and effective execution.