Microsoft Exchange 2010 End of Extended Support: What Are the Next Options?
Beware! If you are working on Exchange 2010, then you need to know that Exchange 2010 End of Extended Support is on January 14, 2020. Currently, Exchange 2010 running in the extended support phase of their product life cycle. Now the first question of the users is what this term signifies? To know about this, keep reading the post till the end!
Microsoft has just announced Exchange 2010 end of life extended support will end on January 14, 2020. So after this date, there will be no longer release of security updates or patches for the Exchange Server 2010. Also, during the extended support phase, Microsoft will not be going to provide any new design or features, 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 know the different method required for 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 Means?
Every single product or software released by Microsoft has 10 years of a life cycle. The last stage of any utility life span 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 will function normally 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 completed, no bug fixes patches will be released. Unfortunately, it will result out in data security threats. The Microsoft Exchange 2010 End of Extended Support is a warning sign that the Exchange Server becomes 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 on 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, the one can easily migrate from Exchange Server 2010 to Microsoft Exchange 2016 environment. The MS Exchange Server 2016 comprises the advanced features and provide a high-performance rate. Below we mentioned major phases that need to be followed while migrating to Exchange Server 2016.
1. In Exchange 2010 environment, install the Exchange Server 2016.
2. Transfer the services and other items to Exchange 2016.
3. Next, import the users’ mailboxes and public folders with the help of PowerShell command to Exchange 2016.
4. Decommission On-premises Exchange 2010 servers after the migration.
Switch to Office 365 Application
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 of Office 365 domain and use the various applications of this suite. Also, with the help of Exchange to Office 365 Migration tool, the users can easily move their mailboxes data into O365 account. It can migrate the Exchange email, contacts, tasks, notes to Office 365 mailboxes without any hindrance. So, the users can easily get back their data on their O365 profile.
Bringing It All Together
Microsoft will implement Exchange 2010 end of extended support on January 14, 2020. It means it will discontinue all support and update services. So, make sure that you are going to migrate into a supported product prior to the Exchange 2010 expiration date. Otherwise, the organizations will put their data at risk by using the non-supported Exchange Server.