Microsoft has announced the upcoming launch of Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE), scheduled for the third quarter of 2025. This new edition will mirror the capabilities of Exchange Server 2019 CU15 and will maintain the same system requirements with minor updates including an updated license agreement and rebranded as “Microsoft Exchange Server Subscription Edition,” along with revised build and version numbers. This move marks a shift towards a subscription-based model, aligning with current trends in software services.
Key Features and Licensing Details
The Exchange Server SE will simplify the licensing process by being available through the Microsoft 365 admin center, moving away from the Microsoft Volume License Service Center. It will follow a similar licensing structure to that of SharePoint Server Subscription Edition, requiring subscription licenses or active Software Assurance for both server and client licenses. Microsoft will continue to offer a free Hybrid server license and key via the Hybrid Configuration Wizard, supporting a more flexible and potentially more economical licensing model for organizations.
The transition from Exchange Server 2019 to Exchange Server SE will not require any changes to Active Directory, and support will continue for environments operating at a minimum of the Windows Server 2012 R2 forest functional level. Microsoft plans to maintain its regular update schedule for the 2025 release, providing two cumulative updates per year. Additionally, the release will include CU1, which will introduce further features and enhancements.
Upgrade Path and Support for Legacy Systems
Scott Schnoll from Microsoft discussed support for legacy upgrades, which will involve setting up a new infrastructure and migrating namespaces and mailboxes to this new setup. For organizations still using Exchange 2016, an upgrade to 2019 will be necessary before moving to Exchange Server SE. Exchange Server 2019 is expected to receive its final update, CU15, in the second half of 2024, which will introduce several features and adjustments to aid in the transition to Exchange Server SE. This update will also add support for Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.3 and reintroduce certificate management in the Exchange admin center (EAC), further preparing organizations for the new subscription edition.
This announcement reflects Microsoft’s strategy to adapt Exchange Server to a subscription-based model, aligning with broader industry trends towards subscription services for software. By maintaining compatibility with existing systems while introducing a subscription model, Microsoft aims to offer a flexible and sustainable solution for organizations of various sizes.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 8:36 pm CET
