Are you interested in learning more about Microsoft Exchange Edition and how it can modernize your email infrastructure? If yes, then this post is for you!
What is Exchange Subscription Edition?
Microsoft Exchange has long been a cornerstone in the world of enterprise email solutions, providing robust and secure communication infrastructures for businesses worldwide. As technology continues to evolve, so does Microsoft’s flagship email server. The upcoming changes (early Q3 2025) to On-premises Microsoft Exchange and the introduction of the new Exchange Subscription Edition (SE) represent a significant shift, promising enhanced functionality, security, and flexibility for organizations of all sizes.
As cloud solutions have become increasingly dominant due to their scalability and cost-effectiveness, many organizations are required to maintain on-premises infrastructure due to regulatory requirements, security concerns, or specific operational needs. Exchange SE is tailored to meet the needs of these businesses, ensuring they can leverage the latest technological advancements while maintaining their preferred operational model.
Microsoft will end support for Exchange 2019 and 2016 in October 2025, requiring organizations to upgrade. Microsoft has clarified that the Exchange SE will carry forward many of the features found in Exchange 2019 CU15 while adopting a subscription-based licensing model. This means that at launch Exchange SE features will closely mirror those of Exchange 2019 CU15, offering businesses an updated and streamlined method to manage their email infrastructure.
The Move to Subscription-Based Licensing
One of the most notable changes with Exchange SE is the shift from traditional perpetual licensing to a subscription-based model. For you, this will mean predictable, regular payments rather than a large, one-time expenses. More importantly, it ensures that users always have access to the latest updates and features to enhance their email infrastructure.
System Requirements and Compatibility
Before installing Exchange SE, it is important to note that Exchange 2013 must be completely removed from your organization prior to installing Exchange SE. This requirement ensures that there are no compatibility issues and that your new email infrastructure runs smoothly. Additionally, Exchange SE supports several operating system versions, including Windows Server 2019 and Windows Server 2022. Exchange SE will also be supported on Windows Server 2025. Ensuring your operating system is compatible is a critical step in preparing for the migration.
Transitioning to Exchange SE
Microsoft has outlined a clear migration path designed to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition, however decommissioning older versions of Exchange may involve some potential impacts. With any migration, you should be prepared for possible downtime, especially during critical phases of the transition. Planning for these periods is vital to minimize operational disruptions. Additionally, the specifics of data migration need careful consideration. Ensuring that all data is securely transferred to the new system without loss or corruption is a key aspect of the migration strategy. This involves detailed planning and execution to ensure data integrity and continuity of service.
You can work with Microsoft or certified partners to plan and execute your migration, taking advantage of tools and resources designed to facilitate the process.
In-place upgrade from Exchange 2019 to SE
If you are currently running Exchange 2019 and the latest CU updates, an in-place upgrade offers a quick and easy path to modernize their email infrastructure. This upgrade allows for the retention of existing settings and configurations, significantly reducing the time and effort required compared to a full migration.
Planning the Migration
Effective planning is critical for a successful migration to Exchange SE. Businesses should conduct a thorough assessment of their current email infrastructure, identifying any potential challenges and opportunities for improvement. This assessment should include an evaluation of hardware and software requirements, as well as an analysis of current email usage patterns. Additionally, it’s important to note that Exchange SE will not coexist with Exchange 2013, meaning Exchange 2013 must be completely removed before installing Exchange SE. Moreover, after Exchange SE CU1, it will also not coexist with Exchange 2016 or Exchange 2019. By understanding your existing environment and accounting for these requirements, you can develop a comprehensive migration strategy that addresses your unique needs.
Execution and Support
Once the migration plan is in place, you can begin the process of transitioning to Exchange Subscription Edition. Microsoft provides a range of tools and resources to support this transition, including detailed documentation, migration guides, and support from certified partners. Additionally, your business can take advantage of Microsoft’s support services to address any issues that arise during the migration process. If more support is needed, then partners like Olive + Goose are here to help.
How Olive + Goose Can Help with the Transition to Exchange SE
At Olive + Goose, we offer comprehensive services to ensure a smooth and efficient transition to Exchange SE for our customers. Our expertise covers every stage of the migration process, including:
- Assessing and Preparing the Environment: We conduct a thorough assessment of your current email infrastructure to identify any potential challenges and opportunities for improvement. This includes evaluating hardware and software requirements, as well as analyzing current email usage patterns. Our goal is to develop a comprehensive migration strategy tailored to your unique needs.
- Streamlining Compliance: With our extensive experience in regulatory requirements, we ensure that your transition to Exchange SE is compliant with all relevant regulations. We help streamline the compliance process, so you can focus on your core business activities while we handle the intricate details.
- Decommissioning Older Versions: We assist in the decommissioning of older versions of Exchange to ensure a seamless transition. This involves safely removing outdated systems and ensuring that there are no compatibility issues with the new Exchange SE environment.
- Installation Process: Our team provides full support during the installation process of Exchange SE. We ensure that the new system is set up correctly, configured to meet your business requirements, and integrated seamlessly with your existing infrastructure.
- Ongoing Support Post-Migration: Our commitment to your success doesn’t end once the migration is complete. Olive + Goose offers ongoing support to ensure your new system runs smoothly and efficiently. We are here to address any issues, provide updates, and assist with any future needs, making us a valuable long-term partner in your IT strategy.
By partnering with Olive + Goose, you can be confident that your migration to Exchange SE will be handled with the utmost professionalism and expertise, minimizing disruption and maximizing the benefits of the new system. Our comprehensive approach and dedication to ongoing support make us more than just a migration partner; we are an ongoing asset to your organization.
Contact Us
Contact Olive + Goose today to discuss your migration to Exchange SE and how we can tailor our services to meet your unique needs. Together, we can ensure a successful transition and ongoing support for your email infrastructure.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the launch date, and prepare to embrace the future of enterprise email with Exchange SE.
