• Digital Workplace
  • Microsoft

It is not only the postal services who are reducing the number of mailboxes in the landscape, come October, Microsoft says we will say our final goodbye to Windows 10 and now, we can add a final farewell to all former Exchange servers as well. Whether you operate on Exchange 2016 or 2019, the EOL (End of Life) notice has been provided. Just as with Windows, it is time to make decisions and act. Our team of specialists are ready to help you reach the finish line on your solutions and customize them to your environment.

We have a powerful position in that we have the best team of specialists for a situation like this which requires help and guidance. Senior Modern Workplace Architect, Jakob Kvistgaard, sheds light on the situation: ”Both Exchange 2016 and 2019 will reach End of Life on October 14, 2025. Naturally, companies that have Exchange on premises will be affected, however, those who operate on Exchange Hybrid will as well,” Jakob Kvistgaard says and adds: “Whether you have Exchange servers on premises or in hybrid form, you should conduct an update to remain on a supported platform.”   

The change created is a transition to the Exchange Server Subscription Edition. “The licenses need to be changed over now. The Exchange product does not disappear, however, it will now be provided in prescription format. This falls in line with other initiatives by Microsoft and is a part of the modernization of the entire platform,” Jakob says. 

 

 

What Can You Do?

If you maintain all your mailboxes on premises, you will notice the biggest difference and be impacted the most.

 

“We are seeing quite a few government entities, particularly the municipalities in Denmark, with these environments. They will need to get ready for action. If you operate with an Exchange Hybrid that has mailboxes in the cloud and you only use your Exchange servers on premises for management, this will be a small ordeal. However, everyone should upgrade no matter what”.

 

“Our recommendation if you have Exchange 2016 is to upgrade to Exchange 2019 as soon as possible. From there, you would perform an in-place upgrade to Exchange SE. However, it is possible to wait until Exchange SE is released and then perform a side-by-side migration.”

 

Jakob Kvistgaard
Senior Modern Workplace Architect, Danoffice IT. 

Jakob Kvistgaard Senior Modern Workplace Architect, Danoffice IT

FAQ Exchange End of Life

 

Do we HAVE to update? 
No. However, being behind on your updates could have unfortunate consequences. Furthermore, if you want to be on a supported platform, it is necessary. Therefore, we certainly recommend that you do. 

 

What is the cost?
The pricing is the same as for prior versions. The difference now is that you need a Software Assurance Agreement or a Cloud Subscription. 

 

Is there something particularly new about SE? 
Aside from the subscription model, there are many security measures implemented. Furthermore, once CU1 is released in October of 2025, it will not be able to co-exist with prior versions of Exchange at all.  
 
What are the hardware requirements? 
Exchange Server Subscription Edition has the same requirements as Exchange Server 2019. 
 
Do we need to have Office 365 licenses or other licenses? 
No, you do not.
 
Do we need a license for a hybrid server?
No. They will still offer a free hybrid license if you only use it for management purposes. 

 

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Get Started!

October marks the deadline from Microsoft and this cannot be bypassed. “There are certainly a lot of companies who are going to be busy which is why we are urging everyone to start the process now. No two Exchange environments are the same and it is critical to be on a supported platform when one is dealing with mailboxes and business-critical data. We recommend that you set sail now and our entire crew is ready to assist,” Jakob Kvistgaard at Danoffice IT. 

Do you have any questions? Reach out to our specialists who know your infrastructure. They will create a streamlined process to ensure a successful upgrade in time. 

 

are you ON Exchange 2016 or 2019? Reach out to us today!

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