What to Do After Exchange Server 2013 End of Support?

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Microsoft is renowned for its continuous release of new and updated software versions while systematically phasing out older iterations of the same software. Whether it pertains to Operating Systems, Web Browsers, Email Managers, or any other software products, Microsoft adheres to a dynamic lifecycle, ensuring that software remains current and optimized. Similar to the conclusion of extended support for Exchange 2010, Server 2013 is on the cusp of a similar transition, making way for a superior, more advanced iteration. With the release of Exchange Server 2019, the latest version in the market, there is no need to keep Exchange 2013.

Exchange Server 2013 ushered in a host of substantial improvements to the user interface, introducing the sophisticated Exchange Admin Center, which entirely supplanted the Exchange Management Console. This release marked the debut of several pivotal features, including In-Place Archiving, eDiscovery search, and retention capabilities. As we approach its ten-year anniversary since release, it’s become evident that the time has come to consider its retirement.

Microsoft made an official announcement on June 24, 2022, setting April 11, 2023, as the definitive End of Support date for Exchange Server 2013. Microsoft has discontinued the provision of the following services for this version of Exchange Server:

• No more technical support for any kind of error in the software.
• No longer bug fixing, and it may create usability and stability issues.
• No longer security fixes to remove the vulnerabilities in Exchange 2013.

Given the aforementioned factors, it is highly recommended that you expedite the transition away from Exchange Server 2013. While Exchange Server 2013 will continue to operate beyond this point, it is crucial to begin preparations for migrating to either Exchange Online or Exchange Server 2019.

You have a five-month window to strategize your upcoming actions regarding Exchange 2013. Here are the available options for you to consider:

Pay an additional fee to Microsoft for security updates

While it is technically feasible, businesses generally aim to minimize expenditures related to security updates. It’s important for businesses to recognize that they may incur costs when engaging Microsoft to update their recently retired software applications, such as Office, Exchange, and Windows.

This alternative comes with a significant price tag. Support costs for this option begin in the millions of dollars, making it a viable consideration primarily for Fortune 500 corporations who have the financial capacity to pay for Microsoft’s updates.

In 2020, Microsoft introduced significant enhancements to this program. Instead of a fixed update fee, the total cost is now calculated based on the organization’s size and the company’s upgrade strategy. It’s worth noting that fees could potentially increase twofold each year.

Numerous businesses are opting to migrate from on-premises services such as Exchange to Microsoft 365. Perhaps it’s time for you to consider making the transition to Microsoft 365 as well.

Microsoft 365 licenses are acquired on a per-user basis, with pricing varying from $6 to $30 per user. The actual cost depends on the specific Microsoft 365 business plan selected for your company.

However, it’s essential not to disregard additional expenses. The following items are not encompassed within the initial cost of on-premises versions of Microsoft applications:

• Distributing and testing security updates and patches.
• Server, license, and other hardware costs.
• Administration fees for managing applications.

These extra expenses may easily raise the price of hosting on-premises versions of Exchange.

In compliance with safety regulations, numerous businesses find themselves unable to utilize online services for data storage. Transitioning from Exchange Server 2013 to Exchange 2019 stands as a significant advantage for such companies. Exchange 2019 presents an ideal solution for meeting these stringent data storage requirements by keeping all data securely on-premises. Microsoft facilitates a straightforward migration process to Exchange 2019, provided that you have already configured the necessary hardware and network prerequisites for your server.

Conclusion

We are fortunate to have time on our side, as Exchange 2013 is still fully operational. This provides you with the opportunity to smoothly transition to either Exchange Online or Exchange 2019. Leveraging Kernel Migration for Exchange, a reliable and professional exchange migration tool, you gain access to both destination platforms for your Exchange 2013 mailboxes. Our tool boasts a swift and precise approach, simplifying the migration process. Users can conveniently schedule migrations and apply a range of filters to ensure that only essential data is moved.