As Microsoft plans to end support for Exchange 2016 and Exchange 2019 by October 2025, organizations need to begin evaluating their options now to avoid complications later. This transition not only marks the end of support for these versions but also signals security and cost implications for businesses still relying on these systems.
Unlike Windows 10, Microsoft will not offer extended support updates for Exchange 2016 or 2019. Organizations that prefer an on-premises solution can consider transitioning to Microsoft’s new offering, Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE), which launches around the same time. The SE version promises a smoother migration experience due to its shared code base with Exchange 2019 CU15, although there will be updates to the license agreement and version numbers.
A notable change is that multiple versions of Exchange cannot co-exist. Organizations will need to upgrade all systems to Exchange SE. Users transitioning from older versions like Exchange 2013, which is no longer supported, will have to move to Exchange 2019 before upgrading to SE.
Managing on-premises Exchange servers is becoming increasingly challenging. Administrators face more difficult decisions regarding patches, as Microsoft has introduced numerous bugs that complicate updates. The addition of service limitations to older Exchange servers could further isolate unsupported versions, impacting communication with hosted services.
Admins should ensure their systems are running supported versions like Exchange 2016 CU23 or Exchange 2019 to facilitate a smoother transition to SE. Microsoft’s policies now emphasize limiting communications between supported and unsupported versions, which further complicates the landscape for businesses still running outdated systems.
Organizations must assess whether they have the necessary resources and expertise to maintain an on-premises server effectively. With many businesses migrating to Microsoft 365, the burden of regular updates and infrastructure maintenance will shift to Microsoft, allowing internal teams to focus more on security.
As the transition to Exchange SE approaches, it is crucial for organizations to evaluate their email infrastructure needs. While some may need to remain on-premises due to compliance requirements, others could benefit from moving to cloud solutions, freeing them from the increasing responsibilities tied to maintaining legacy systems. A detailed review of current capabilities and a cultural assessment can help determine the best path forward, whether it’s to continue with on-premises servers or to adopt a full cloud strategy.
Ultimately, this period of transition should serve as a catalyst for organizations to thoughtfully consider their infrastructure and make strategic decisions that will benefit their long-term operational efficiency and security posture.
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