Forum Discussion
pk_fwd
Feb 20, 2023Copper Contributor
Migrating on prem 2016 to a cloned Azure VM in a hybrid environment
We have a multipath hybrid setup with connectors set up between the following:
1. On Prem 2016 exchange CU 23
2. Exchange 365
3. Mimecast
What options do I have to move the on prem exchange to an Azure VM?
Can I clone the existing VM to the Azure then just decommission the old one before using the cloned one?
- Dan_SnapeSteel ContributorBest practice is that you build a new server in Azure and migrate all mailboxes and services from the old server to the new. You can try the clone method and it may work, but I don't believe Exchange is designed for this type of migration. As long as the server is in maintenance mode prior to cloning it should be OK. Just make sure that everything referencing that server is updated after the change of IP (Mimecast connector, SPF, send/receive connectors etc). Also, Azure blocks port 25 traffic by default unless you have certain subscriptions, so make sure those prerequisites are met too.
- pk_fwdCopper Contributor
Thank you for your reply Dan
The cloning sounded risky.
I am looking at recreating the exchange server from a fresh install and then using the "move to a different database" option in EAC to move any on prem mailboxes to the new server.
I found 7 arbitration mailboxes and am unsure whether I need to move these or if these are unique and are created by default on each exchange installation.
I am in the process of recreating all on prem recipients (mailboxes, groups, resources, contacts, shared) in 365 so that there are none on prem.
IIS is another area I am looking at as there are default sites like EAC etc. which are recreated by default however others look manually created.
Apart from using on prem exchange server as an SMTP relay I don't see any other reason for continuing the hybrid setup in the future, however as our ERP team may be using this functionality (including IIS) I have to continue being hybrid until a new solution is found there.- Dan_SnapeSteel ContributorThe Arbitration mailboxes will also need to be migrated. You shouldn't need to create anything in IIS for Exchange manually. Hybrid requires AAD Connect, so you shouldn't need to recreate any recipients...they should just be synced to Azure AD from on-prem AD