Federal contractors handling sensitive government data face mounting pressure to comply with frameworks such as CMMC 2.0, DFARS, and ITAR. Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must be secured in cloud environments that meet strict federal standards.
Microsoft’s Government Community Cloud High provides this secure foundation, but GCC High migration presents significant challenges. Organisations that move too quickly often encounter higher costs, downtime, and compliance gaps that can jeopardise government contracts.
Poor planning can cause operational disruption and data exposure during transfer. To avoid these pitfalls, organisations need a structured approach to GCC migration. This comprehensive checklist offers a clear framework for navigating each critical phase—from readiness assessments through post-migration governance — helping organisations balance compliance requirements with operational continuity.
challenges in GCC High migration
The process of moving to Microsoft’s Government Community Cloud High brings a distinct set of challenges, many of which stem from regulatory, operational, and technological complexities. These hurdles can strain organisations and reduce transition efficiency, requiring careful preparation. Below are some of the key challenges .
high operational and administrative costs
Eligibility validation, license planning, and stakeholder coordination are resource-intensive. Beginning a migration without adequate readiness can result in increased costs, downtime, feature limitations, and risks to sensitive data. Additional needs such as phased cutovers, specialised tools, and ongoing audits add financial pressure, making budgeting a critical success factor.
lack of technological expertise
GCC High requires advanced skills in identity management, networking, and secure cloud architecture. Many organisations face delays or underutilised resources due to technical gaps. Specific constraints, such as the need to reconfigure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and implement allowlisting of IP addresses, add to the complexity.
data security and management issues
Sensitive information, including Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), must be classified, migrated, and secured in compliance with frameworks such as NIST SP 800-171. Encryption, multi-factor authentication, and strict access controls are essential. Compatibility challenges also arise, as not all commercial applications are available in GCC High. Without robust processes, organisations risk misconfigurations, data corruption, or breaches during migration.
Addressing these challenges requires planning, readiness assessments, and governance structures that align technology decisions with compliance requirements, ensuring that GCC migration is secure, resilient, and sustainable.
phases of GCC migration: the complete checklist
Despite the complexities, a structured checklist helps organisations manage risks and maintain compliance. The following phased approach outlines the essential steps for a successful GCC migration.
pre-migration checklist
assess organisational readiness
Start with a clear view of your IT landscape, compliance scope, and staffing capabilities. Readiness assessments help identify technical gaps and resource needs, ensuring the migration is aligned with business objectives and regulatory demands.
validate eligibility and licensing
GCC High requires proof of eligibility and specific licensing models. Organisations must confirm tenant eligibility early and plan a licensing path that avoids misaligned purchases or unexpected cost escalations.
review application and integration compatibility
Not all commercial applications or add-ins are supported in the GCC High environment. Reviewing dependencies and identifying approved alternatives helps prevent functionality gaps that can disrupt workflows after migration.
migration phase checklist
plan identity and access management
Identity synchronisation is critical. MFA settings cannot be migrated from commercial tenants and must be reconfigured, while IP allow-listing needs to be applied individually. Planning for these constraints avoids access disruptions.
classify and secure sensitive data
CUI and other sensitive content must be classified, tagged, and migrated under frameworks such as NIST SP 800-171. Data loss prevention, retention, and eDiscovery settings should be configured before cutover.
design network and migration strategy
Network throughput, routing, and endpoint configurations affect migration speed and reliability. A staged or hybrid cutover approach, backed by testing, helps reduce downtime and ensures continuity of service.
post-migration checklist
Establish governance and post-migration monitoring
After the migration, organisations must enforce least-privilege access, continuous auditing, and compliance monitoring. Post-migration governance closes potential gaps and sustains controls over time.
benefits of a structured GCC High migration
A methodical approach to GCC High migration yields several strategic advantages.
compliance assurance
Structured migration ensures alignment with DFARS, ITAR, and CMMC 2.0 requirements, helping organisations protect CUI and maintain eligibility for federal contracts.
stronger security.
A defined migration plan supports the application of access controls and multi-factor authentication, reducing the likelihood of misconfigurations or data exposure during transition.
operational continuity
Careful planning helps minimise downtime and avoid compatibility issues. Staged or hybrid cutovers allow organisations to sustain critical operations while migration takes place.
future readiness
A successful GCC migration addresses immediate compliance needs whilst positioning organisations for long-term collaboration on federal projects as standards evolve.
how can Infosys BPM help with GCC High migration?
Infosys BPM supports large-scale transformation programmes through Global Capability Centres that integrate governance, compliance, and operational excellence. Our structured framework for migration includes:
- Readiness assessments
- Licensing and eligibility validation
- Secure data migration practices
- Governance and compliance monitoring
- Post-migration optimisation
