The End of Mainstream Support for Exchange Server 2016: What Does it Mean?
The end of mainstream support for Exchange Server 2016 is quickly approaching, and organizations are beginning to consider their options. Microsoft has announced that they will be ending mainstream support for Exchange Server 2016 on October 13th, 2020. This means that Exchange Server 2016 will no longer receive feature updates, security updates, or non-security updates. Organizations that are still running Exchange Server 2016 will need to upgrade or migrate to a newer version of Exchange in order to remain up-to-date and secure.
Why is Microsoft Ending Support for Exchange Server 2016?
Microsoft is ending support for Exchange Server 2016 in order to focus their resources on newer versions of Exchange. Exchange Server 2016 has been out since 2016 and Microsoft is now focusing their efforts on Exchange Server 2019 and Exchange Online. This allows them to continue to provide the best experience for their customers and to ensure that the platform remains secure and up-to-date.
What Are the Benefits of Upgrading from Exchange Server 2016?
Upgrading from Exchange Server 2016 to a newer version of Exchange can provide organizations with several benefits. Some of the benefits include:
* Increased security: Newer versions of Exchange include improved security features, such as multi-factor authentication and data loss prevention.
* Increased scalability: Newer versions of Exchange can handle larger mailboxes and mail flows.
* Improved performance: Newer versions of Exchange offer improved performance and better support for modern technologies, such as virtualization.
* New features: Newer versions of Exchange include new features, such as support for larger mailboxes, better search capabilities, and improved mobile device support.
What Are the Options for Upgrading from Exchange Server 2016?
Organizations have several options for upgrading from Exchange Server 2016. The best option for each organization will depend on their individual needs and budget. Some of the options include:
Option 1: Upgrade to Exchange Server 2019
Organizations can upgrade to Exchange Server 2019 and continue to run their mail server on-premises. This option allows organizations to maintain control over their mail server and keep their data in-house. Exchange Server 2019 includes many improvements over Exchange Server 2016, including better security and reliability.
Option 2: Migrate to Exchange Online
Organizations can migrate from Exchange Server 2016 to Exchange Online, the cloud-based version of Exchange. This option is ideal for organizations that want to take advantage of the latest features and security updates without having to manage their own mail server. Exchange Online also provides organizations with access to powerful search and collaboration tools, such as Microsoft Teams.
Conclusion
The end of mainstream support for Exchange Server 2016 is quickly approaching, and organizations need to decide how they will upgrade their mail server. Organizations have the option of upgrading to Exchange Server 2019 or migrating to Exchange Online. Upgrading or migrating to a newer version of Exchange will provide organizations with improved security, scalability, performance, and new features.
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Exchange Server 2016 and the End of Mainstream Support
