Update 7/15/2025: Added a mention of Exchange 2016/2019 ESU program.
In May 2024, we shared our Exchange Server Roadmap Update and our plans for the future of Exchange Server. Since then, we’ve bee...
Updated Aug 13, 2025
Version 17.0
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So you are saying that a hybrid server that is connecting onprem to cloud for mailbox migrations and mail flow should be licensed using something other than the free hybrid license? Just making sure we understand this completely. Some of the other reading implies that hybrid was ok to use as long it was not hosting mailboxes (which ours is not). We have 4 hybrid servers connecting the two environments and six 2019 mailbox servers hosting the remaining mailboxes (DAG), DDLs and is used for the SMTP relay for all onprem apps.
here is what the FAQ says, it does not mention SMTP routing, only mailboxes:
If my organization is Hybrid with Microsoft 365 and I do not host mailboxes on-premises, do I still need to license Exchange Server?
If you do not host any mailboxes on the servers used to connect to Microsoft 365 you can license them using the Microsoft 365 Hybrid Configuration Wizard (HCW) which you can find https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?linkid=2095076.The HCW validates your Microsoft 365 subscription and installs the appropriate licenses on your servers.
thanks
Tom