How to migrate from Microsoft 365 to kSuite
For two years, my Dimaginar email and file storage ran on M365 Business. I occasionally looked at European alternatives without really taking action. Until I found the Swiss solution kSuite and dared to make the switch.
The migration went as you'd expect from an email and file migration. Some configurations required figuring out, but with the right documentation I got there quickly. Now everything runs on European servers and I'm extremely happy with the setup.
Why kSuite
I was specifically looking for a complete package with email, file storage, and WebDAV synchronization for my notes and backups. Although kSuite is Swiss and not EU, I trust that my data is better protected there than with American tech giants. Swiss data privacy is aligned with GDPR level, which the EU also recognizes.
The admin portal is also well-organized. Less overwhelming than the Microsoft admin center, where you sometimes have to navigate through endless menus. At kSuite I quickly find what I'm looking for.
Moving Email with Outlook
The email migration went through Outlook. My M365 mailbox was already connected in Outlook, so I exported everything to a PST file. Then I connected my new kSuite mailbox in Outlook and imported the PST file. I only had email, no calendar or contacts, which made the process simpler.
DNS configuration required some attention. I ran into a DMARC problem, but once I found the right Infomaniak article, I could easily add it correctly. It's the kind of configuration you encounter with any platform, just like with M365.
Files to kDrive
For file storage I use kDrive. I installed the Windows client locally, just as I had done with OneDrive. After installation, kDrive appears automatically in Windows Explorer, exactly like OneDrive does. On my phone I installed the kDrive app.
Copying files was straightforward through the explorer. I selected everything in OneDrive, copied it to kDrive, and done. No complex migration tools needed.
WebDAV for Synchronization
An important reason to choose kSuite Business was WebDAV support. I use this for synchronizing my Joplin notes and as a destination for my Duplicati backups.
The WebDAV configuration required some figuring out, but Perplexity helped me quickly find the right documentation. Now it runs stable and reliable.
How It Works Daily
After a few weeks of daily use, I'm pleasantly surprised. Email, files, and synchronization run flawlessly.
I use the webmail client on Windows and the Infomaniak Mail app on my iPhone. Both do what they need to do. The iPhone app is fast and stable, exactly what I need on the go.
With file storage, I see the biggest difference from OneDrive in the Office integration. Auto-save doesn't work in kDrive like you're used to with OneDrive. You need to save files manually. This requires awareness, but it's not a showstopper. Within Office apps you can add kDrive as a location, which makes opening and saving easier.
Opening files directly from kDrive in the web interface happens through the integrated office suite. This works fine enough, but it's not my preference. Especially the speed leaves something to be desired compared to local. That also applies to the web version of MS Office, by the way.
On the phone I have no problems viewing files. Apart from some small Excel edits, I don't do much with files on my phone.
WebDAV runs stable for my Joplin synchronization and Duplicati backups. This was an important requirement and it works as expected.
Where I Stand Now
No, I'm not working completely Microsoft-free. I still use a personal Outlook account and Microsoft Office on Windows. Many personal contacts use my old email address, which makes complete migration difficult. I'm still uncertain about setting up forwarding.
Locally, I'm going to test LibreOffice to see if it can be a full alternative to Microsoft Office. But for now, the kSuite migration is a first step. My Dimaginar email and files run on European servers. That gives me more control and independence without having to flip everything at once.
This setup also makes future switches easier. As long as an email or storage solution supports standard protocols, I can move without starting from scratch. That's digital autonomy in practice.
About the Author
Peter van Barneveld is a Group Innovation Manager exploring practical paths to digital autonomy. He tests what actually works in real daily use. His approach: figure it out, document the journey, share honest results.
Connect with Peter on LinkedIn or join the discussion on r/Dimaginar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kSuite Business cost?
The first year you get 50% off with an annual commitment. This costs about 55 euros for the entire year. After the first year you pay the regular rate of about 110 euros per year. For this you get email hosting with custom domain, kDrive storage, WebDAV access, and office tools like kMeet.
Did I have downtime during the migration?
Minimal. For email, the DNS conversion determines the downtime. kSuite has a diagnostic test for your DNS entries, but DMARC was missing from that overview. In my first test, receiving worked but sending didn't. It took about an hour to discover and fix this.
For files there was no real downtime. I copied everything while OneDrive was still running, only switched over when the migration was complete.
How did the OneNote to Joplin migration go?
For my OneNote to Joplin migration, I wrote a separate guide. That migration requires more configuration work than email and files. WebDAV via kDrive plays a crucial role in the Joplin synchronization between devices.
Do I need extra backups besides kDrive?
kDrive has built-in protection. Deleted files remain in the recycle bin for 6 months, and you can restore your kDrive to 3 months earlier. For me this wasn't enough. I want to go back further than 3 months.
Because I was already used to Duplicati, which runs locally on my PC, I simply added the local kDrive folder to my Duplicati backup schedule. I did the same in the past for OneDrive. This way I determine myself how far back I can go, independent of the cloud provider.