In just a few weeks Exchange Server 2013 will reach its “end of support”. This means that, as of April 11, 2023, Microsoft will no longer provide:

  • Technical support for problems that may occur.
  • Bug fixes for issues that may impact the stability and usability of the server.
  • Security fixes for vulnerabilities that may make the server vulnerable to security breaches.
  • Time zone updates.

What Happens After End of Support?

Hopefully by now your organization is already prepared for the end of Exchange Server 2013’s product life cycle. Your installation of Exchange Server 2013 will continue to run after April 11. However, as stated above, the lack of support can leave your organization vulnerable to security breaches and downtime. If you haven’t already done so, Microsoft recommends migrating away from Exchange 2013 as soon as possible.

Options for Your Business

One alternative to Exchange Server 2013 is to migrate your email to Microsoft 365, a cloud-based subscription service. Depending on the size of your organization, there are several migration methods to choose from. These include cutover migration, minimal hybrid migration, or full hybrid migration. If you are not sure which one is right for you, Invario can assist with planning and execution to ensure a successful migration. You will want to consider:

  • The number of mailboxes you need to move;
  • How long you want the migration to last; and
  • Whether you need a seamless integration between your on-premises environment and Microsoft 365 during the migration.

If you choose to keep an on-premise Exchange server, Microsoft recommends migrating to Exchange Server 2019. The upgrade path allows you to skip Exchange 2016 and go directly to 2019. Before the upgrade you will need to ensure your environment meets the Exchange Server 2019 system requirements.

If you want to learn more about your options, or need help moving your organization away from Exchange Server 2013, we’d love to talk. Click here to schedule a quick call.

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Dave Wilson