Based on the latest update of Microsoft on the roadmap for Exchange Server, the next version will arrive in 2025, which is four years later than the planned release.
According to The Register, a post opens with a reminder of Microsoft's previous promise to deliver a new subscription-only version of Exchange in late 2021.
It was followed with details of the many security improvements made to the messaging server during the same year. The changes include plenty in response to the four zero-day vulns that attackers used to plunder data from US-based defense contractors, law firms, and infectious disease researchers, as per The Register report.
Microsoft Says "Focus on Security" as the Reason of the Delay
Microsoft cited that they "continue to focus on security" as the reason why they didn't deliver the planned late 2021 update. The product developer added that "now they are also ready to share their long-term roadmap for Exchange Server."
Based on the roadmap of Microsoft, the product developer now promises a new version of Exchange Server in the second half of 2025.
"The next version will require Server and CAL licenses and will be accessible only to customers with Software Assurance, similar to the SharePoint Server and Project Server Subscription Editions," the of Microsoft said.
According to the post, Exchange upgrades have previously meant new hardware and the need to migrate mailboxes.
However, for the next version of Exchange, Microsoft suggests "you may not have to acquire new hardware or move mailboxes, and... upgrading to the next version will, by design, be much easier than previous upgrades."
Read Also: Microsoft Patch Tuesday: Complete Details of November 2021 Update That Fixed 55 Bugs
Exchange Users Are Advised to Get Version 2019
According to Redmond, all Exchange users are advised to get version 2019 as soon as possible.
According to The Register, the 2019 edition of the messaging server isn't standing still.
Currently, Microsoft already has authentication and encryption updates in the works, and has promised it will add a dashboard that offers visibility of Exchange Servers across hybrid environments.
This is to assist identification of instances that need patches. Microsoft promised to launch the dashboard "early next year."
People who wish to test those features can apply to join a Technology Adoption Program that offers early access to fresh cuts of Exchange. Forums for the software has also been revived by Microsoft.
Microsoft will reveal the name, price, features, and requirements to run the next version of Exchange sometime in the first half of 2024, according to the post.
Microsoft Exchange Server is a mail server and calendaring server developed by Microsoft. It runs exclusively on Windows Server operating systems.
The first version of Microsoft Exchange Server was called Exchange Server 4.0, to position it as the successor to the related Microsoft Mail 3.5.
In 2021, critical zero-day exploits were discovered in Microsoft Exchange Server where thousands of organizations have been affected by hackers. The hackers employed techniques to steal information and install malicious code.
According to Microsoft, these vulnerabilities had existed for around 10 years, but were exploited only from January 2021 onwards. An estimated of 250,000 global customers, were affected by the attack of the email systems.
Related Article: Who are Behind Most of the Zero-Day Exploits in 2021?
