It seems that Microsoft has decided to hold off releasing a new Exchange Server, saying the next version will not arrive until 2025. While some were expecting the next version of the on-premises Exchange Server to arrive this year, that is not happening.
Instead, Microsoft will roll out a new feature to Exchange Server 2019. Speaking to ZDNet, the company says:
“Microsoft will support Exchange 2016 and 2019 until October 14, 2025. And after October 14, 2025, only the next version of Exchange Server will be supported.”
The company thinks it has enough time to place more migration enhancements into Exchange Server 2019, have support cut-off windows, and roll out a new version.
Speaking of the new features coming to Exchange Server 2019, Microsoft says unique tools coming to the platform include improvements to Outlook on the web. Furthermore, the company is improving security, increasing scalability, and enhancing security.
Elsewhere, the architecture will get an update, while new integrations with OneDrive and SharePoint are coming.
Missed Release
It is worth remembering Microsoft was originally planning to roll out a new Exchange Server in 2021. So, why did not that happen?
“Unfortunately, 2021 had other plans for Exchange Server. In March 2021, we confronted a serious reality: state-sponsored threat actors were targeting on-premises Exchange servers.” Microsoft responds.
With the future Exchange Server 2025, Microsoft will require Server and CAL (Client Access License) licenses.
“We are moving the next version of Exchange Server to our Modern Lifecycle Policy, which has no end of support dates. We plan on continuing to support Exchange Server as long as there is substantive market demand,” Microsoft says.
Tip of the day: Tired of Windows´s default notification and other system sounds? In our tutorial we show you how to change windows sounds or turn off system sounds entirely.
