If you're evaluating migration tools for Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, you've likely come across ShareGate. While ShareGate is a capable tool for SharePoint migrations, many organizations are discovering that Cloudiway offers a more flexible, comprehensive solution for today's complex cloud migration needs.
In this article, we'll compare ShareGate and Cloudiway across key dimensions - architecture, features, pricing, and support - to help you make an informed decision for your migration project.
ShareGate Limitations
While ShareGate is a solid tool, organizations often encounter these limitations:
Desktop Software Required
ShareGate requires installation on Windows machines. This creates dependency on local hardware and complicates remote team collaboration.
Limited Collaboration Support
No native support for Slack migrations or cross-platform chat migrations between Teams, Slack, and Google Chat.
Rigid Pricing Model
Annual flat-rate licensing starting at $5,995/year may not suit organizations with variable or one-time migration needs.
Mailbox Migration Add-on
Exchange mailbox migration requires an additional paid add-on, increasing total cost for comprehensive migrations.
The Cloudiway Difference
Cloudiway was built from the ground up as a 100% cloud-native migration platform. This fundamental architectural difference enables capabilities that desktop-based tools cannot match.
100% Cloud-Based
No desktop software installation required. Access your migration projects from anywhere, on any device.
Broader Platform Support
Migrate between Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack, Teams, and more in a single platform.
Device & Intune Migration
Migrate laptops, devices, and Intune configurations between tenants - a capability ShareGate doesn't offer.
Flexible Pricing
Pay-per-user or pay-per-GB options let you scale costs to match your actual migration needs.
Direct Engineer Support
Get help directly from migration engineers, not tiered support queues.
Collaboration Migrations
Full support for Slack, Teams, and Google Chat migrations that ShareGate doesn't offer.
Feature Comparison: ShareGate vs Cloudiway
Here's a detailed comparison of features between ShareGate and Cloudiway:
Architecture
| Feature | ShareGate | Cloudiway |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment Model | Desktop Software | 100% Cloud SaaS |
| Installation Required | Yes (Windows) | No |
| Updates | Manual download | Automatic |
Microsoft 365 Migrations
| Feature | ShareGate | Cloudiway |
|---|---|---|
| SharePoint Migration | Yes | Yes |
| OneDrive Migration | Yes | Yes |
| Exchange Mailbox | Add-on | Included |
| Teams Migration | Limited | Full Support |
| Cross-Tenant Migration | Yes | Yes |
Google Workspace
| Feature | ShareGate | Cloudiway |
|---|---|---|
| Google Drive Migration | Yes | Yes |
| Gmail Migration | Yes | Yes |
| Google Chat Migration | No | Yes |
| Google Groups Migration | No | Yes |
| Google Sites Migration | No | Yes |
Collaboration Platforms
| Feature | ShareGate | Cloudiway |
|---|---|---|
| Slack to Teams | No | Yes |
| Teams to Slack | No | Yes |
| Slack to Google Chat | No | Yes |
| Cross-Platform Chat | No | Yes |
Device & Endpoint Migration
| Feature | ShareGate | Cloudiway |
|---|---|---|
| Intune Migration | No | Yes |
| Device Migration | No | Yes |
| Laptop Re-enrollment | No | Yes |
| MDM Cross-Tenant | No | Yes |
Support & Service
| Feature | ShareGate | Cloudiway |
|---|---|---|
| Support Model | Tiered Support | Direct Engineer Access |
| Response Time | Varies by tier | Fast (direct access) |
| Professional Services | Available | Available |
Pricing Comparison
ShareGate
- Starting at $5,995/year for 1 admin
- Up to 5 admins: higher tier pricing
- Mailbox migration: Add-on cost
- Nintex migration: Add-on cost
- No per-user or per-GB limits
- Multi-year discounts available
Cloudiway
- Pay-per-user licensing
- Pay-per-GB options available
- Mailbox migration: Included
- Collaboration migrations: Included
- Scale costs to your actual needs
- Volume discounts available
Migration costs vary significantly based on data volume, user count, and complexity. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific requirements.
When to Choose Cloudiway Over ShareGate
Cloudiway is the better choice when your organization needs:
Cross-Platform Migrations
Moving between Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace in either direction, or migrating collaboration platforms like Slack.
Collaboration Tool Migrations
Migrating Slack to Teams, Teams to Slack, or Google Chat migrations - scenarios ShareGate doesn't support.
Cloud-First Architecture
Teams working remotely or across multiple locations benefit from Cloudiway's browser-based, no-install approach.
Flexible Budget Requirements
One-time migrations or variable workloads where pay-per-user pricing provides better cost control than annual licensing.
Direct Technical Support
Complex migrations requiring direct access to migration engineers rather than tiered support queues.
Comprehensive Migrations
Projects requiring mailbox, files, and collaboration data migration in a single, unified platform.
Conclusion
Both ShareGate and Cloudiway are capable migration platforms, but they serve different needs:
- ShareGate is well-suited for organizations heavily invested in SharePoint who prefer desktop software and predictable annual licensing.
- Cloudiway is ideal for organizations needing cross-platform flexibility, collaboration tool migrations, cloud-native architecture, and pay-as-you-go pricing.
For modern, complex migration projects involving multiple platforms and collaboration tools, Cloudiway's comprehensive capabilities and flexible approach make it the stronger choice.
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See how Cloudiway can simplify your cloud migration. Get a personalized demo or quote for your project.
