ALCOAST 336/19 - OCT 2019 COAST GUARD-WIDE MIGRATION TO OFFICE 365

R 301317 OCT 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-6//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N02620//
ALCOAST 336/19
COMDTNOTE 2620
SUBJ:  COAST GUARD-WIDE MIGRATION TO OFFICE 365
1. Overview.
    a. The U.S. Coast Guard is implementing a cloud office solution using Microsoft Office
365 (O365). CG workstations will be migrated to O365 to provide members with the latest
version of all Microsoft Office productivity tools already offered, including Microsoft
Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, and Excel. This transition will facilitate communication,
collaboration, and productivity across all organizational levels and improve day-to-day
business and missions.
    b. Along with upgrades to these existing office productivity tools, all email and file
storage will undergo major improvements. Email will be migrated to the cloud. This will
improve email reliability, searching, and increase mailbox sizes from 1 GB to 100 GB per
user. All personal file storage will be migrated to the cloud and will enable up to 1 TB
of storage per user. This storage expansion will eliminate the need to move user accounts
during permanent change of station moves (except for personnel transferring to or from a
large cutter) and eliminate the need to store email offline in “.pst” files.
    c. Large cutters that currently have onboard email servers will not migrate their email
and files to the cloud. Those cutters will receive server hardware and software technical
refresh.
2. Timeline.
    a. The entire migration to O365 will span several years. The first impact to users will
be upgrades to email and file storage transitioning to the cloud. The pilot program will kick
off in Q2 FY20 followed by full deployment. All pilot users were selected based on their unit
type and location to properly represent the entire organization.
    b. The second impact to users will occur Q1 FY21 and will upgrade Skype, deploy Microsoft
TEAMS messaging and collaboration tool, and update other Microsoft Office tools. More details
for this upgrade will be provided at a later date.
3. Communications. The CG joint Cloud Office Solution Project team will use all available
communication channels to keep you apprised of changes before they occur. Information on the
migration will be included using as many internal Coast Guard media sources available such as
All Hands Briefers, CIO Bulletins, additional ALCOASTs, and at: http://cglink.uscg.mil/CG-COS
(CAC required to access). Internet-accessible information is posted at: www.uscg.mil/cloud.
The Coast Guard is taking a deliberate, phased approach to introduce these key capabilities
and tools to ensure all members can have a positive experience with the cloud environment.
4. Resources.
    a. You can learn about the Coast Guard's migration to O365 at: www.uscg.mil/cloud and at:
http://cglink.uscg.mil/CG-COS (CAC required), or by contacting the Cloud Office Solution
Project team. You are encouraged to check the webpages regularly for up to date information
and to find an onsite familiarization session near you.
    b. Commands are strongly encouraged to take the initiative and designate O365 Champions
at their units. Members, whether designated or not, can enroll in classes at the Help Me
Know (HMK) Hub: https://cgcos.level0help.com/home and become recognized as an O365 Champion.
General and specific O365 training materials are available 24/7 in the HMK Hub.
5. RADM David M. Dermanelian, Assistant Commandant for Command, Control, Communications,
Computers and Information Technology (CG-6), sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.