Microsoft Exchange Server 2016 and 2019 end of life: What it means for your business

Microsoft Exchange server 2019 extended support ends this year on the 14th of October along with exchange server 2016. Microsoft are forcing the everyone to be on the latest exchange 2019 CU from this date. 

After these dates, users will be able to in place upgrade to exchange SE edition, but not doing will mean no further security updates, bug fixes, or technical support, posing serious risks to businesses still relying on these platforms.

What does this mean for your business?

Running unsupported Exchange servers leaves organisations exposed to cybersecurity threats, compliance issues, and potential operational disruptions. Without critical updates, businesses are more vulnerable to ransomware, data breaches, and email downtime – directly impacting productivity and trust.

To protect your IT infrastructure and future-proof communications, companies should begin planning their upgrade path now. Options include migrating to Microsoft 365 Exchange Online, a cloud-based solution offering enhanced security, scalability, and access from anywhere. Alternatively, businesses may consider transitioning to a hybrid environment or an updated on-premise solution, depending on specific compliance or data residency requirements.

Your migration path to Exchange Server SE

This transition can be complex, but the expert team at Complete IT Systems are here to help. We provide tailored migration strategies, whether you’re moving to the cloud or upgrading your on-premise systems. We ensure a smooth, secure migration with minimal disruption to your business operations.

With over a decade of experience in Microsoft solutions, Complete IT Systems can guide you through every step—from assessing your current Exchange environment to post-migration support and optimisation. Don’t wait until support ends – get ahead of the risks now.

Find out more

Read more about our professional services here, or about our infrastructure provision here.

Contact Complete IT Systems today to schedule your Exchange assessment and plan your upgrade path.

Windows Server 2012 R2 is ending – how to migrate

You may have read that Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2 will become ‘end-of-life’ on 23 October 2023 – from that date, Microsoft will be ending its extended support on the server operating system. The vendor announced its notice period in 2018, which means that the five-year ‘extended support’ period will elapse next year.

Although this may seem like a long way off, it is worth considering your plan as next autumn will be here faster than we think!

Windows Server 2012 R2 – why does the announcement matter?

Post-October 2023, organisations using Microsoft Server 2012 R2 will not be able to access patch updates, security updates or bug fixes. The result is that with hackers looking to pounce on all kinds of vulnerabilities, data on the server will be more vulnerable to cyber threats.

It’s essential to take a proactive approach to migrating your server operating system – and by starting now you will have plenty of time to work with.

After Microsoft’s support ends

In simple terms, after October 2023, Microsoft will move on and wash their hands of Windows Server 2012 – this means it will offer no support or ongoing protection for the product.

Unsupported servers leave the door open to hackers, potentially creating a threat to data on that server but also the entire organisation’s network.

Take action

Although it may seem early days, it is wise to think about your plan for upgrading to the latest IT infrastructure. As well as fending off potential security threats, modernising your environment can also create cost savings and efficiency gains.

Assessing the age of your current servers is a good start for preparing your migration plan. If you are running outdated servers or applications, a complete audit may be wise.

How can Complete IT Systems help?

Our skilled team of experts can work with you to design a roadmap to migrate from Windows Server 2012 R2, and to assess your infrastructure against your business requirements.

Read more about our professional services here, or about our infrastructure provision here.