How to ensure data integrity?
Core capabilities for Alibaba Mail data integrity
Alibaba Mail uses a closed-loop design and smart incremental synchronization technology to ensure data integrity and security during mailbox migration. This includes the following:
Accurate full data migration: The service uses standard Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) interactions to completely sync the folder structure, email status (read or unread), and attachments from the original mailbox. This ensures data consistency before and after you switch services.
Real-time incremental data capture: During migration, Alibaba Mail automatically and continuously syncs new emails that arrive in the original mailbox. This keeps all emails updated and ensures a seamless data transition.
Pre-migration preparations
IMAP protocol configuration: Confirm that the IMAP service is enabled on your original email system, such as Gmail, Exchange, or Outlook.
IMAP connectivity validation: Test the account's connectivity using a third-party email client, such as Outlook or Foxmail, to ensure the IMAP configuration is correct.
Remove retrieval limits: Ensure that all accounts in the original system are set to retrieve all emails. Remove any time-based limits, such as "Only retrieve emails from the last 30 days".
Adjust security settings: Disable client IP logon restrictions and two-factor authentication on the original system. This includes methods such as verification by text message, WeChat verification, and authenticator apps. Disabling these settings ensures smooth access during migration.
Standard data operations: Before migration, delete emails and move folders in the original system as needed. Do not change any data during the migration process.
Folder naming conventions: Avoid using special characters, such as `+`, `*`, `\`, and `/`, in folder names in the original mailbox. This prevents errors during migration.
Full migration stage: Accurately replicate original mailbox data
The service uses the IMAP protocol to pull all accessible emails from the original mailbox. This ensures a complete collection of historical email data.
Incremental data synchronization: Ensure seamless business continuity
All new emails are synced promptly to prevent data loss and maintain consistency between the old and new mailboxes.
View migration progress in real time
You can view the migration progress, including the number of successful and failed email migrations for each folder.
The Alibaba Mail dual-engine migration solution combines full and incremental synchronization. This method helps businesses smoothly transition their mailbox data, ensuring business continuity and zero data loss.