Why Exchange Server updates matter

Dear The_Exchange_Team  Nino_Bilic please release Exchange Server 2019 for free to customers using it for Exchange Online hybrid or hybrid management purposes.

I see the need of this option for customers that want to stay current. 

Current state:

Only Exchange Server 2016 is for free in this usecase 

Issues:

- Exchange Server 2016 is not supported on Server 2019 LTSC

- Exchange Server 2016 is in extended support 

- Windows Server 2016 LTSC will be soon in Extended Support 

-Windows Server 2016 does not contain .net 4.8. By default as required for latest Exchange Server 2016 CU

-Windows Server 2016 LTasc5is known for very slow patching times and high downtimes for CBS applied patches. This issue will not be fixed. https://windowsserver.uservoice.com/forums/295047-general-feedback/suggestions/32121229-stop-the-windows-update-madness-on-ws2016

Solution:

- Windows Server 2019 LTSC is not affected by this. However only supports Exchange Server 2019

- the OS has much better security by default and better Defender capabilities

The only reason to keep up the Exchange Server 2016 offer (in addition) is to the provide very slow upgrading companies to support Windows Server 2012 R2 OS for Exchange Server 2016 and also to support 2012 R2 FFL/DFL and so using 2012R2 Domain Controllers (not everything compatible is recommended). 

Alternative:

Extend the free offer for this usecase to Windows Server 2022 LTSC and Exchange Server 202x

Usecase:

SMB customers that don't run DAG or Server Clustering, using Exchange 2016 for free as part of their Hybrid Exchange Online deployment or Exchange Onp-remises hybrid management 

Thanks for your understanding and soon response to this dilemma. 

Additional reasons:

Due to the March response we have seen customers that tried to apply latest Exchange CUs on outdated Server 2016 and caused issues which needed a full OS restore.