Transitioning from Workplace to Viva Engage Our Journey to an Integrated Digital Workspace

Why your business needs to transition from Meta Workplace.

Meta has announced the complete shutdown of Workplace by June 1, 2026, with read and download access to existing data available only until September 1, 2025.

How do we navigate this change?

In the fast-paced landscape of today's digital workplace, selecting the appropriate collaboration platform is essential for ensuring team connectivity, effective communication, and enhanced productivity. Our organization has recently completed a major transition from Workplace to Microsoft Viva Engage, and we would like to share my experiences, challenges, and insights gained throughout this transformative journey.

What are the essential components for a successful migration

What you need to know when migrating to Viva Engage

Central to this migration are several essential tools and APIs that enable the extraction, mapping, and integration of data into the Viva Engage platform:

1. Facebook Graph API:
   
   This API is utilized to retrieve data from the current Workplace platform, encompassing user profiles, groups, posts, and related content.



2. Azure Blob Storage / SharePoint Document Library:
   
   To ensure the preservation of post content, including media files such as images, videos, and PDFs, we intend to transfer these files to Azure Blob Storage or the SharePoint Global Library. This approach is necessary because the media links obtained from the Meta Graph API come with a time-sensitive signature, making it impossible to download the files after expiration without issuing another API call.



3. MySQL Holdover Database:
   
   This database acts as a temporary storage solution to map and format the extracted Workplace data, ensuring it aligns with the structure and requirements of Viva Engage.



4. Azure Active Directory (AAD):
   
   This service oversees user identities and access management, facilitating integration with the Microsoft Graph API.



5. Microsoft Graph API:
   
   This API offers a consolidated endpoint for interacting with various Microsoft 365 services, including the establishment of communities within Viva Engage.



6. Yammer API:
   
   This API supports the actual transfer of migrated content, such as posts, comments, and reactions, into the Viva Engage platform.



7. Python Script:
   
   We have developed a Python script to manage the entire migration process.

Architecture:

Most optimal architecture setup for migration

Migration involves a five-step process. Watch this space for more.

Source link:

1. Meta is Closing Workplace
2. Collaboration Tools for Business