Microsoft has announced that a subscription version of Exchange Server will be released in early 2025. This new version, known as Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE), will arrive as support for Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 ends. In the recent Exchange Server Roadmap Update, Microsoft confirmed that the Subscription Edition will be available in early Q2025 XNUMX.
What does this mean for Exchange Server 2019 and 2016?
Exchange Server 2019 will receive its fifteenth and final Cumulative Update (CU15) before the switch to subscription. Microsoft has confirmed that the new SE version will be code-identical to Exchange Server 2019 CU15, with the same system requirements. The main differences will be in the licensing agreement, name, and build and version numbers.
Subscription model and license
The subscription version follows a model similar to SharePoint Server SE. This means that you need active Software Assurance (SA) to use the product, or you need to purchase subscription licenses. If your Software Assurance expires, you retain rights to the 2019 version of the product.
Release Schedule and Updates
Microsoft will continue to follow its familiar release schedule for Exchange Server SE. The software maker will release a Cumulative Update twice a year, with the first CU for the Subscription Edition expected in October 2025. The hardware and system requirements for Exchange Server SE will remain the same as Exchange Server 2019 CU15, with the addition of support for Windows Server 2025.
Outlook and migration
For organizations considering migrating to the new Subscription Edition, Microsoft provides detailed recommendations and guidance. You can find the announcement article with migration guidance here: Exchange Server Roadmap Update.
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