Update 6/13/2025: Please see our new blog post for updated timelines of releases as well as additional details on how to get from current versions of Exchange Server to Exchange Server SE: Upgrading ...
Updated Jun 13, 2025
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ScottSchnoll , thank you for the clarification!
Going even further, when you mention "cloud subscription licenses," do you mean for Exchange Online/Hybrid? And... absent this, purchasing/maintaining SA is the only way to properly license Exchange SE without requiring some form of cloud subscriptions?
Also, it sounds like SA will be available for Exchange SE post release (and as you say, the only way to license it without cloud licenses).
Therefore, attempting to correct my earlier assumptions:
- We could migrate to Exchange 2019 now WITH Software Assurance - as long as we maintain SA for Exchange Server and CALs, in perpetuity, no cloud licenses (which again, I assume means Exchange Online/Hybrid) are required for Exchange SE once released.
- OR... Wait for Exchange SE to be released, and then purchase either cloud licenses that include Exchange Online/Hybrid OR new Exchange SE licenses, once released, with SA at that time for server and CALs. Critically, SA will be available to purchase for Exchange SE post-release?
In either case, SA or cloud licenses is how to maintain proper Exchange SE licensing.
To summarize:
- Your use of "cloud subscription licenses" refers to any Microsoft subscription that includes Exchange Online/Hybrid. True or false?
- Exchange SE with SA will be available once Exchange SE is released (vs. must be previously acquired while the Exchange 2019 SKU is still available). True or false?
This is an important distinction, and I don't mean to get into the weeds (I can PM you if you'd like me to keep this thread on-topic), but with the upcoming changes, it's that much more crucial to understand our options for planning/licensing purposes.
Thank you!