As Microsoft prepares to phase out support for Exchange 2016 and Exchange 2019 by October 2025, organizations need to address potential security concerns and evaluate their current infrastructure to avoid complications down the line. Unlike Windows 10, Microsoft will not offer extended support updates for either of these Exchange versions, making it crucial for users to make timely decisions.
For those opting to remain with an on-premises solution, Microsoft has introduced the Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE), which is set to be released around the same time as the end of support for the older versions. The SE version is said to use the same underlying code as Exchange Server 2019 but will feature some cosmetic changes and a new licensing structure.
One significant change is that multiple versions of Exchange will not be allowed to coexist. Users will need to either upgrade in place on their existing infrastructure or perform a more traditional migration, which involves creating a new server environment and moving mailboxes over. Though this migration process can cause temporary disruptions, it can often be planned to minimize impact.
An important factor to consider is the move to a subscription-based licensing model. Users must now have active software assurance to maintain access to support and updates. Additionally, organizations running unsupported older versions of Exchange will not be able to upgrade directly to SE and will need to first move to Exchange 2019.
Managing on-premises Exchange servers has become increasingly complex, with Microsoft introducing bugs that can affect patching choices. Operators of these servers must ask themselves whether they have the necessary resources and expertise to maintain these systems, given the increasing demands of patching and security management.
If your organization is still using on-premises Exchange, it’s crucial to ensure you are running supported versions — that is, Exchange 2016 CU23 or Exchange 2019. As the deadline approaches, a transition to Exchange SE provides the easiest path forward, minimizing potential issues if already on the correct versions.
Organizations should also consider whether it’s time to rethink their email infrastructure altogether. Many are now migrating to Microsoft 365, which offloads the security responsibilities to Microsoft, reducing the burden on internal IT teams. However, this shift will not entirely alleviate security concerns, as cloud environments present their own challenges such as securing authenticated access.
As the sun sets on older versions of Exchange, organizations have an opportunity to reassess their needs and potential solutions. A thorough technical and cultural analysis should be conducted to determine the best path forward—whether adopting SE, switching to a cloud-based service, or even evaluating alternative mail solutions.
Now is the time to prepare for this significant transition. Organizations must conduct a detailed review of their existing systems, assess future requirements, and implement changes well before the cutoff date. Resources, such as security benchmarks and migration strategies, should be utilized to ensure that whatever path is chosen, it aligns with best practices and organizational goals.
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