Microsoft Exchange 2010 End of Extended Support: What Are the Next Options?
Beware! If you or your organization is using Exchange Server 2010, then you need to know that Exchange 2010 End of Extended Support is already been expired on January 14, 2020. Now the first question of the users is what this term signifies? To know about this, keep reading the post till the end!
Nowadays security updates or patches for the Exchange Server 2010 are no longer being released. Also, during the extended support phase, Microsoft did not provide any new design features or security updates. Thus, it is the correct time to upgrade the MS Exchange Server 2010 version or move to the other platform. Otherwise, do nothing and face the problems that come when using the product after the extended support finish.
In this write-up, readers will learn the different methods required for the successful migration of Exchange 2010 to a new edition. First, let’s have a look at the actual meaning of Exchange Server 2010 ‘End of Extended Support’.
What Does Microsoft Exchange 2010 End of Extended Support Mean?
Every single product or software released by Microsoft has 10 years of a life cycle. The last stage of any utility lifespan is Extended Support. So, whenever the extended support ends, no security patches will be released for the product. Thus, the users that are working on Exchange Server 2010 after the end of extended support will have a risk for data security. Therefore, it is strongly suggested to the users either they upgrade to a higher edition of Exchange or move to a different platform for tight security and high performance.
Is It Safe to Use Exchange Server 2010 After End of Extended Support?
The Exchange Server 2010 functioned normally even after January 14, 2020. But if there is an introduction of a bug in the servers then, it will end up with enormous damage. Because it is clear from the above that once the product cycle is completed, no bug fixes or patches will be released. Unfortunately, it also resulted in data security threats. The Microsoft Exchange 2010 End of Extended Support was a warning sign that the Exchange Server has become old now and upgrade yourself.
What are the Different Migration Options Available for Exchange Server 2010?
Below are the two migration options listed for the users who are using Microsoft Exchange Server 2010.
- Switch to Exchange 2010 to higher editions
- Move to Microsoft Office 365 Suite
Let’s have a look at each point in depth.
Upgrade to New Exchange 2016 or 2013
Some users or organizations want to maintain their mailbox data on On-premises. For this, one can easily migrate from Exchange Server 2010 to Microsoft Exchange 2016 environment using SysTools Exchange Migration Software. The MS Exchange Server 2016 comprises advanced features and provides a high-performance rate. Below we mentioned major phases that need to be followed while migrating to Exchange Server 2016.
Step 1. In the Exchange 2010 environment, install the Exchange Server 2016.
Step 2. Transfer the services and other items to Exchange 2016.
Step 3. Next, import the users’ mailboxes and public folders with the help of the PowerShell command to Exchange 2016.
Step 4. Decommission On-premises Exchange 2010 servers after the migration.
Switch to Office 365 Platform
Microsoft Office 365 is an online cloud-based utility that offers Exchange Online, SharePoint, Outlook, Skype, and many other programs. So, users can take the subscription to the Office 365 domain and use the various applications of this suite. Also, with the help of the Exchange to Office 365 Migration tool, users can easily migrate Exchange 2010 to Office 365. It can migrate the Exchange email, contacts, tasks, and notes to Office 365 mailboxes without any hindrance. So, the users can easily get back their data on their O365 profile.
Simple Working Steps of the Software:
- Step 1. Download, Install & Launch the Software.
- Step 2. Choose Mailbox Items & Set Date Filter.
- Step 3. Provide Admin Details for Exchange & Office 365.
- Step 4. Validate Permissions & Create User Mapping.
- Step 5. Choose User Accounts & Click on Start Migration.
Bringing It All Together
Microsoft implemented Exchange 2010 end of extended support on January 14, 2020. Which meant, that it had also discontinued all support and update services. So, make sure that you are going to migrate to a supported platform before getting into any security or data breach-related chaos. Otherwise, you have put your data at risk by using the non-supported Exchange Server.