Support until September: Microsoft urges Exchange customers to move to the cloud

Microsoft has reminded administrators once again that support for Exchange 2016 and 2019 will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, the US software company advises a quick switch to the cloud-based Exchange Online. Alternatively, it is possible to switch to the on-premises application Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE). However, according to the Microsoft developers' roadmap, the release of Exchange Server SE is planned for July 2025, meaning that administrators will only have around three months to test and make the switch before support ends. Support for Windows 10 and Skype for Business Server will also end on this date.

Exchange Online to impress with AI features

After the cut-off date, Exchange 2016 and 2019 will no longer receive bug fixes and security updates, but will still be usable. In a blog post, Microsoft is trying to convince its Exchange customers to switch to the cloud. A migration to Exchange Online or Microsoft 365 leads to the “best user experience” and also offers functions with generative AI that will not be available in the on-premises version. The software company also offers its corporate customers the FastTrack program for the switch. It includes documentation and applications to make the switch easier. Support staff will also provide assistance.

Alternatively, Microsoft refers to the migration to Exchange Server SE for future on-premises operation. Customers currently using Exchange 2019 should install the cumulative update CU15 and keep the installation up to date. On release, Exchange Server SE should have an identical code base to Exchange 2019 CU15, including all security updates, so that a direct upgrade with the transfer of all configurations is possible. Administrators who manage servers with Exchange 2016 should perform a legacy upgrade to Exchange 2019 and then migrate to Exchange Server SE. Although it is also possible to migrate directly from Exchange 2016, Microsoft advises against this.

Price increase for on-premise

In addition to the AI functions, Microsoft also wants to entice its corporate customers to switch to the cloud with a financial incentive. The software company has announced that it will be raising the prices for Microsoft applications in its networks. The price increase is necessary to finance ongoing maintenance work and upcoming updates. Parallel to the release of Exchange Server SE in July 2025, the costs for operation on in-house hardware will increase by ten percent. For billing based on the number of connected clients (CAL), customers of the Core CAL Suite must expect a surcharge of 15 percent, and 20 percent more for the Enterprise CAL Suite.

(sfe)