When cloud storage started to become mainstream, a lot of big players saw the potential of the booming trend and created their own platform for users to store files in the cloud. Microsoft, Google, and Dropbox have all built successful cloud storage platforms, and Amazon WorkDocs was Amazon's response for a collaborative storage platform. Unfortunately for Amazon, the WorkDocs platform never took off, and as a result, it's being shut down in 2025.
This means that anyone who has data in Amazon WorkDocs must get their data moved out soon or risk losing it for good. Fortunately, Movebot can handle Amazon WorkDocs Migrations easily, with a built-in integration that will enable you to move all your data to any of the 30+ storage platforms we support.
Amazon WorkDocs end of life
Taking some of the functionality from what was formerly Amazon Zocalo, Amazon WorkDocs was launched as its own file storage and sharing platform in 2015. As of April 2024, new users can no longer sign up for the platform, and have a year to migrate their data. Instead, Amazon is shifting resources towards its more popular AWS services.
Active users have until April 25, 2025 to move their data out of Amazon WorkDocs. Starting on April 26th, data will start being purged as the platform is taken offline. Since Amazon WorkDocs will be defunct, users have no choice but to move, or lose their data. The end of life applies to the Amazon WorkDocs site, APIs, and any WorkDocs Drives.
AWS migration tool for WorkDocs to S3
For users wanting to stay in the AWS ecosystem, AWS has created a new migration tool used specifically for migrating data from WorkDocs into S3. This tool requires a number of steps including preparing content and configuring the migration, and can be initiated from the AWS WorkDocs console.
But what about if you want to move data to another platform besides S3?
In these cases, Amazon is steering active users towards Dropbox as an alternative for file sharing and collaboration. Dropbox has a lot of similar features, and a few extras that should make change management relatively easy so users can keep working as they're used to.
Amazon WorkDocs vs Dropbox
While Amazon WorkDocs and Dropbox are both file sharing platforms, they have a few differences in functionality, and some of the features of WorkDocs don't have a Dropbox equivalent. Users of Amazon WorkDocs like that there was no limits for file size and get charged a simple flat rate per user with a generous data allowance starting at 1TB. Security and compliance were also strong points, with options like being able to pick a data storage region for compliance purposes.
However, for collaboration, it's missing some crucial features that make collaborative work and editing simple, making it more challenging for team working environments. Features are also limited, as it's primarily designed for simple document sharing.
Collaboration is one of the core features of Dropbox Business, allowing multiple users to work on the same document in real-time. There's no need for users to wait their turn, and everyone can edit or add annotations and it's simple to see who made what change or made a comment.
However, Dropbox does have limits on file sizes, with a 250 GB max for enterprises. And while there is the option to specify a data region for compliance purposes and Dropbox meets strict standards like HIPAA, picking a region isn't a simple self-service choice. Instead, users will need to let the Dropbox team know of their requirements.
Even with some differences, Dropbox is still an excellent alternative to Amazon WorkDocs and the two are working closely together to make sure users can migrate to Dropbox without complications. As part of this partnership, the two companies are offering a special deal for this specific migration, using Movebot as the tool to do the migration.
Special Deal for migrating from Amazon WorkDocs to Dropbox
Since users have no choice but to move out of WorkDocs or lose their data, AWS is working with their partner Dropbox to help anyone migrate their data before the deadline, using Movebot.
Any organization that wants to migrate to Dropbox with at least 10 licenses qualifies for an exclusive deal with Dropbox for at least 40% off standard rates. And doing the migration will be simple too, with a special deal from Movebot to make the migration as easy and straightforward as possible.
When using Movebot, we're offering a special $35 per user price for migrating from WorkDocs to Dropbox. And just like other migrations, you can set up the transfers yourself using the self-service tool in our intuitive web interface.
If you're an existing Amazon WorkDocs interested in this offer, you can find out more and learn how to take advantage of this deal from our Amazon WorkDocs to Dropbox migrations page.
Amazon WorkDocs migrations with Movebot
While we're offering a special deal for moving users into Dropbox, that doesn't mean it's the only option for your destination. Movebot can connect to over 30 different storage platforms and has an Amazon WorkDocs connector to make moving data simple. We're platform agnostic too, meaning you can move your files into any platform such as SharePoint or Google Workspace if Dropbox isn't right for your team.
No matter where you plan migrating your data, the process is the same; connect your WorkDocs account and your destination, set up your transfer, and let Movebot handle the rest.
Connect your WorkDocs account
To start, you'll need to log in to Movebot and connect your WorkDocs account. Pick to create a new storage connection and choose Amazon WorkDocs from the list. When you make the connection for the first time, you'll need a few things from your S3 account. First is your S3 Access Key. Copy this and paste it into Movebot, as well as the S3 Access Key Secret. You'll also need to put in your Organization ID and specify the region, using the same format as AWS such as us-east-1.
When you've put everything into Movebot, test the connection and make sure that it's successful, and then you can then use it for your migration projects.
Setup a project
With your WorkDocs account connected to Movebot, you can use it to migrate to any of our supported platforms. Simply create a new project and choose the connection you created. Then choose your destination, such as Dropbox. If you haven't set up the destination connection yet, you'll be guided on how to do it as part of the project configuration.
From there, you can specify whether you want to move permissions and choose from other content options like automatic file type conversion and automatic filename sanitization. Some options are enabled by default to simplify the migration process, but you can turn off any options you don't want to use depending on the scope of your project.
After setting your content options, run through the Project Options for settings like email notifications, choosing a specific geographic region for data processing, and enabling automatic metadata cleanup.
Filtering and ignoring files
One feature that sets Movebot apart from other data migration tools is that you don't have to move the entire source to the destination. Not only can you specify what to move down to the folder level and you can also completely ignore files based on conditions you choose. You can do this either by setting rules--for example, ignoring files with a specific extension--or by choosing files/folders in the Globally Ignored Files step.
If you don't want the files at all, you can simply leave them behind and let AWS clean them up when WorkDocs support is discontinued in April 2025. Or you can isolate files and folders and move them somewhere else, like an archival platform. With Movebot, you always have full control of your data.
Running the migration
After setting up your project, we recommend running a scan to check for incompatibilities between the data in your WorkDocs account and your destination. This lets you review and make any necessary changes before starting the transfer.
When you're happy with everything, start the migration and let Movebot handle the rest. You'll get access to real-time stats while the migration is running, so you always know the status of your project. Migration speed will depend on the destination you choose, but you can expect to move a few terabytes per day in most cases.
Post transfer and deltas
Once the migration is done, Movebot will generate a post-transfer report with stats about your migration such as the number of files and volume of data moved. From there, you can run delta migrations to only pick up any other files that were new or updated in the WorkDocs account. Run these deltas until all the files you want are in your destination and your migration is complete.
Try Movebot for your Amazon WorkDocs Migration
With a number of helpful features, fast transfer speeds, and an exclusive deal for moving data from Amazon WorkDocs to Dropbox, Movebot will make your migration simple. From setup to completion, Movebot was designed to be easy enough for anyone to use.
But you don't have to take our word for it. You can try Movebot for yourself with 50GB free, with no sales call or credit card required. Simply sign up and you can start moving data in minutes. Register for your account now to get started.
