Preparing for the End of Support for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019
Microsoft has announced that support for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 will end on October 14, 2025. After this date, these messaging solutions will no longer receive functional or security updates. To ensure continued security, compliance, and performance, organizations must plan their migration strategy in advance.
The Next Version of Exchange Server: Subscription-Based Model
The upcoming version of Exchange Server will adopt a new subscription-based pricing model. As a result, its name will change to “Exchange Server SE” (Subscription Edition).
Access Options for Exchange Server SE
Organizations will have three ways to access Exchange Server SE:
- Cloud Subscription Licenses with Extended On-Premises Rights (e.g., Microsoft 365 E3/E5):
- This option allows organizations to maintain hybrid connectivity with Exchange Online.
- However, all users accessing Exchange Server SE must have a cloud subscription license.
- Server License and Client Access Licenses (CAL) with Software Assurance for Exchange Server 2016/2019:
- To retain upgrade rights and receive updates, Software Assurance must be maintained.
- Server License and Client Access Licenses (CAL) with Software Assurance for Exchange Server SE (upon release):
- Organizations must maintain Software Assurance to ensure continued usage rights and access to updates.
The first two options are intended for organizations already using Exchange Server and planning to transition to Exchange Server SE. The third option is for new deployments of Exchange Server SE.
Software Assurance is a maintenance option offered by Microsoft to organizations with various types of volume licensing agreements, such as the Enterprise Agreement, Open Value, and Microsoft Products and Services Agreement (MPSA). It provides benefits such as major version upgrades on different Microsoft products, license mobility across multiple devices and Azure, and cost optimization.
Migrating to Exchange Online: A Key Alternative
Another option to retain Exchange functionalities is to migrate to Exchange Online, the SaaS-based email service available within Microsoft 365. This solution offers several benefits for organizations:
✔ Reduced costs related to infrastructure and storage
✔ Enhanced security with cloud-based features to protect against attacks
✔ Secure access to email and collaborative resources with Entra ID
✔ Continuous updates with the latest Office suite features
✔ Centralized administration for simplified management
Exchange Online Plans
Microsoft offers several plans tailored to different organizational needs:
| Feature / Plan | Exchange Online Plan 1 | Exchange Online Plan 2 | Exchange Online Kiosk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usage | User mailbox | User mailbox | Frontline workers |
| Storage | 50 GB | 100 GB | 2 GB |
| Archiving | 50 GB | Unlimited | None |
| Security | Anti-spam, anti-malware, data encryption, shared mailboxes | Plan 1 + data loss prevention, journaling, transport rules | Anti-spam and anti-malware |
| Monthly price (per user, excl. VAT) | CHF 4.32 | CHF 8.64 | CHF 2.15 |
Integration with Microsoft 365
Exchange Online plans are also included in several Microsoft 365 subscriptions, categorized as follows:
- Exchange Online Plan 1: Included in M365 Business Basic, Standard, Premium, and M365 A1
- Exchange Online Plan 2: Included in M365 E3, E5, and M365 A3 & A5
- Exchange Online Kiosk: Included in M365 F3 and F5
This approach allows businesses to optimize their email solutions while benefiting from Microsoft 365’s collaborative tools.
For more information and advice, feel free to contact us at sales@awsmtech.ch.
