HELP DESK MIGRATION ALTERNATIVE · 2026 GUIDE

Migration Vendor Checklist

Before you hand over customer data to any migration vendor, get clear answers to these 10 questions.

Before you hand over customer data to any migration vendor, get clear answers to these 10 questions. In writing, not in a sales call. We show how both ClonePartner and Help Desk Migration answer each one.

See the checklist
01

Is there a way to test the migration before committing?

You need to see real output on real data before paying.

ClonePartner

Scoped pilot on your real data, run by an engineer. Unlimited test runs.

Help Desk Migration

Free self-serve demo on your real data. No credit card required.

02

What data types are migrated by default, and what is excluded?

Tickets are just the start. Attachments, internal notes, custom fields, and relationships are where migrations fail silently.

ClonePartner

Custom scripts built for your exact data model. Scope defined in SOW before work starts. Nothing excluded unless agreed.

Help Desk Migration

Documented entity types per connector. Tickets, comments, attachments, users, organizations, tags, custom fields migrated by default.

03

Is delta migration available?

Without it, you either freeze your source system or lose records created during the migration window.

ClonePartner

Built in. Engineer runs delta sync before cutover. Zero-downtime.

Help Desk Migration

Built-in automated delta sync.

04

Can you see and control field mapping before the migration runs?

Field mapping should not be a black box.

ClonePartner

Engineer shares the mapping plan. You review and approve before execution. Changes made on request.

Help Desk Migration

Self-serve field mapping UI. You configure it yourself.

05

Are there per-record logs and skip/fail reports?

You need a full audit trail. "It looks like it worked" is not validation.

ClonePartner

Multi-stage validation with checksums. Engineer reviews output and provides a migration report.

Help Desk Migration

Real-time logs, field mapping preview, per-record skip/fail report.

06

Is the vendor SOC 2 Type II certified?

SOC 2 Type II is an independent audit confirming security controls worked over a sustained period. A claim is not the same as a report.

ClonePartner

SOC 2 Type II certified. Report available on request under NDA.

Help Desk Migration

SOC 2 Type II certified. Report available on request.

07

What is the data retention policy after migration?

How long does the vendor keep your data on their servers? This directly affects GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA compliance.

ClonePartner

Data retention policy documented. Data deleted after agreed retention window. DPA available.

Help Desk Migration

Retention policy written into ToS. DPA available.

08

Is there a GDPR-compliant Data Processing Agreement?

If your customers are EU-based, a DPA is legally required before the vendor processes personal data on your behalf.

ClonePartner

DPA available on request. GDPR and HIPAA compliant. BAA available.

Help Desk Migration

DPA available on request. GDPR compliant.

09

What is the pricing model, and can you estimate cost before engaging?

If the only way to get a price is a sales call, you have no cost visibility during procurement.

ClonePartner

Fixed-price quote after a free 30-minute scoping call. Price agreed before work starts.

Help Desk Migration

Public pricing calculator. Per-record pricing visible before you start.

10

What is the vendor's verifiable track record?

Years in business, completed migrations, third-party reviews, and marketplace presence are verifiable. Marketing claims are not.

ClonePartner

1,500+ migrations. SOC 2 Type II + ISO 27001. Zendesk Marketplace app. G2 and Clutch profiles. PR Newswire press coverage.

Help Desk Migration

10+ years. 50,000+ migrations. Official partner of Zendesk, Freshworks, Intercom, Gorgias, and others. Hundreds of marketplace reviews.

Both vendors meet the bar on most of these questions. The difference is in the model: do you want to run the migration yourself (Help Desk Migration), or have an engineer run it for you (ClonePartner)?

Book a free scoping call with ClonePartner

COMMON QUESTIONS

Migration vendor checklist FAQ

Should I check if my migration vendor offers a test migration?

Yes. Never commit to a migration vendor without seeing real output on your real data. Both ClonePartner (engineer-run pilot) and Help Desk Migration (free self-serve demo) offer this. If a vendor cannot demonstrate on your data before you pay, that is a red flag.

Should I check what data types are migrated by default?

Yes. Tickets are just the start. Ask specifically about attachments, internal notes, custom fields, and ticket relationships. These are where migrations fail silently. Get the answer in writing, not verbally.

Should I check if delta migration is available?

Yes. Without delta migration, you either freeze your source system during the transfer window or lose records created during that time. Both ClonePartner and Help Desk Migration offer delta sync.

Should I check if I can control field mapping before the migration runs?

Yes. Field mapping should not be a black box. You should be able to review and approve the mapping before any data moves. ClonePartner shares the mapping plan for review. Help Desk Migration provides a self-serve field mapping UI.

Should I check if there are per-record logs and skip/fail reports?

Yes. You need a full audit trail showing what migrated, what was skipped, and what failed. "It looks like it worked" is not validation. Both vendors provide migration logs and reports.

Should I check if my migration vendor is SOC 2 Type II certified?

Yes. SOC 2 Type II is an independent audit confirming security controls worked over a sustained period. A claim on a website is not the same as a report you can review. Both ClonePartner and Help Desk Migration hold SOC 2 Type II certification.

Should I check the data retention policy after migration?

Yes. How long the vendor keeps your data on their servers directly affects GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA compliance. Get the retention window in writing and confirm deletion procedures.

Should I check if a GDPR-compliant DPA is available?

Yes. If your customers are EU-based, a Data Processing Agreement is legally required before the vendor processes personal data on your behalf. Both ClonePartner and Help Desk Migration provide DPAs on request.

Should I check if I can estimate cost before engaging a migration vendor?

Yes. If the only way to get a price is a sales call with no estimate beforehand, you have no cost visibility during procurement. Help Desk Migration has a public per-record calculator. ClonePartner provides a fixed-price quote after a free 30-minute scoping call.

Should I check a migration vendor's verifiable track record?

Yes. Years in business, completed migrations, third-party reviews, and marketplace presence are verifiable. Marketing claims are not. Look for independent review profiles, marketplace listings, press coverage, and certifications you can verify yourself.

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1,500+ Migrations

Across helpdesk, CRM, ATS, HRIS, ERP, and knowledge base platforms. Every migration handled by a dedicated engineer.

SOC 2 + ISO 27001

Independent audits covering security controls, credential handling, and data retention. GDPR and HIPAA compliant. BAA available.

Fixed Pricing

Scoped and agreed before work starts. No per-record metering. No surprise costs at volume.