Exchange 2016: End of Mainstream Support
What Does ‘Mainstream Support’ Mean?
Mainstream support is an official Microsoft term used to describe the period in which a product is actively supported. During this period, Microsoft provides assistance with non-security related issues and bug fixes, as well as regular updates. When mainstream support ends, customers can still receive assistance with security related issues, but they don’t get any new features or bug fixes.What Does This Mean for Exchange 2016?
Microsoft announced that Exchange Server 2016 will reach the end of mainstream support on October 13, 2020. This means that customers who are still using Exchange 2016 will no longer receive non-security related updates and bug fixes. For customers who are still using Exchange 2016, this means that they will need to start planning for an upgrade to a newer version of Exchange Server.What Are My Options for Upgrading?
The most obvious option for customers looking to upgrade from Exchange 2016 is to move to Exchange 2019. Exchange 2019 is the latest version of the Microsoft Exchange Server, and it comes with a number of new features and improvements over Exchange 2016. For example, Exchange 2019 includes support for Windows Server 2019 and improved support for hybrid deployments.For customers looking for a more cost-effective option, Microsoft also offers Exchange Online as a cloud-based service. Exchange Online provides a reliable and secure platform for email, calendaring, and collaboration, and it is easy to set up and manage. Exchange Online also comes with a number of features that are not available with Exchange 2016, such as advanced data protection, eDiscovery, and compliance tools.
How Can I Prepare for the End of Mainstream Support?
To prepare for the end of mainstream support for Exchange 2016, customers should begin planning an upgrade to either Exchange 2019 or Exchange Online. Customers should also take the time to review the features and capabilities of their current version of Exchange, and identify any areas where they could benefit from an upgrade.Customers should also review the technical requirements for their chosen version of Exchange, and make sure that their existing infrastructure is capable of supporting the new version. For example, customers upgrading to Exchange 2019 should ensure that their systems meet the minimum hardware requirements for Exchange 2019, as well as any additional requirements for the features they plan to use.
Conclusion
The end of mainstream support for Exchange 2016 is quickly approaching, and customers should start planning for an upgrade to either Exchange 2019 or Exchange Online. Customers should take the time to review the features and capabilities of their current version of Exchange, and identify any areas where they could benefit from an upgrade. They should also review the technical requirements for their chosen version of Exchange, and make sure that their existing infrastructure is capable of supporting the new version. Finally, customers should consider the benefits of moving to a cloud-based service such as Exchange Online, as this could provide a more cost-effective and secure platform for their email and collaboration requirements.
References:
End of Mainstream Support for Exchange 2016
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