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As support for Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019, as well as Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, comes to an end, organizations must prepare for a major migration effort. Will they be ready?
Support for Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019, as well as Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, will end on October 14, 2025. Microsoft recommends migrating to Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 LTSC for non-cloud based users. Exchange Server 2019 users can upgrade to the delayed follow-up called Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) in early Q3 of 2025. Clients running Skype for Business Server 2019 or 2015 will need to upgrade to Teams or the new Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition (SE). Enterprises may be holding out for alternative solutions, but Microsoft analyst Rob Helm warns that they may ultimately have to pay subscription fees. Companies must budget and prepare for the migration process to avoid vulnerabilities and system risks.
As the clock ticks away, a significant shift is looming for enterprises relying on Microsoft's legacy products. With less than a year to go until support is cut off for Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019, as well as Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, organizations are being forced to confront the reality of upgrading or migrating to newer versions of these software applications.
For those unaware, Microsoft has been phasing out support for older Office and Exchange Server versions in favor of its cloud-based solutions. With Office 2016 and 2019 set to fall out of support on October 14, 2025, users are advised to migrate to either Microsoft 365 or Office 2024 LTSC, a non-cloud based version that does not require an internet connection.
However, for those who prefer to run their own email servers, the situation is more complex. While there is currently nothing beyond Exchange Server 2019 available, Microsoft has promised to release a delayed follow-up called Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) in early Q3 of 2025. This new version will offer an in-place upgrade for users running Exchange Server 2019 with the latest cumulative update.
Similarly, customers running Skype for Business Server 2019 or 2015 are also facing a similar predicament. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Teams, but for those unwilling or unable to migrate, there is only a promise of Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition (SE), which will be released in early Q3 of 2025.
While it is understandable that some enterprises may have specific business needs that make the subscription model unviable, Microsoft analyst Rob Helm warned that companies running earlier versions of Office despite being requested to move to Microsoft 365 are likely holding out for something. This could include isolated pockets of workers without full-time internet or preferring per-desktop licensing rather than per-user.
On the other hand, Helm noted that with every cumulative update, Microsoft is turning Exchange Server 2019 into Exchange Server SE. "The claim is that bit-for-bit, it will be almost exactly the same as the last version of Exchange Server 2019." Just with some new branding, according to him.
Furthermore, Helm emphasized that users will have to start paying subscription fees whether they like it or not, once they choose to upgrade. This is a significant point for enterprises already accustomed to a subscription model via products like Microsoft's maintenance program for biz, Software Assurance.
As the clock ticks away until October 14, 2025, when support for Office 2016 and 2019, as well as Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, ceases, organizations are being forced to confront the reality of upgrading or migrating. With many enterprises already familiar with subscription models, the transition may not be as seamless as initially anticipated.
To prepare for this change, it is crucial that companies budget for and prepare for the migration process. This includes hiring contractors and developers who can help navigate the complexities of upgrading legacy software applications. Those who fail to do so risk being exposed to vulnerabilities and putting their systems at risk.
With just over a year to go until the end-of-support wave hits, Microsoft analysts are urging enterprises to act swiftly to avoid the "gigantic wave" that is likely to engulf them in 2025.
As support for Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019, as well as Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, comes to an end, organizations must prepare for a major migration effort. Will they be ready?
Related Information:
https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2024/10/16/microsoft_end_of_support_wave_widens/
Published: Wed Oct 16 09:46:29 2024 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
