The Exchange Server from Microsoft has empowered the organizations to conduct their professional communication safely and in full control. When an organization purchases the Exchange Server, then it is willing to use it for a longer period. But Microsoft upgrades its software to newer versions and discontinues the older version.
If you are also using the Exchange Server, then Exchange Server 2010 is the oldest one that is still working. But it is going to be discontinued on October 13, 2020 and you will not get the technical support, bug fixing, security fixing, time zone updates, etc. you should migrate to a newer version of Exchange Server and in the present guide we will tell you migrate directly to Exchange Server 2016.
Exchange Server 2016 has many advancements like better cloud services, easier server roles for Mailbox and Edge Transport, database resilience, online document collaboration, etc. When you want to upgrade the Exchange Server 2010 to 2016, then it is not a direct procedure. First, you check the hardware specifications to accommodate all the new changes, install new Exchange, migrate the mailboxes, and decommission the older Exchange. All these actions are required in a sequential manner and you need to gather all the information regarding the changes.
Upgrade Active Directory Schema
When you are currently using the Exchange Server 2010 and wanting to upgrade to Exchange Server 2016, then you also need to upgrade the Active Directory Schema. The extended Active Directory helps you to update the extended objects and attributes for Exchange 2016. You need to plan the Active Directory upgrade carefully, because you cannot rollback it once it is completed. You will have to manually remove the new entries from the schema and it is not a recommended method due to data security.
Namespace for Exchange Server 2016
The namespace configuration of various services that you are using in Exchange 2010 and want to use in Exchange 2016 also, then you need to update these entries also. Some important services are AutoDiscover, Legacy URL for Exchange 2010, Active Sync, Exchange Control Panel, Primary SMTP domains, Outlook Web App, Outlook Anywhere, Exchange Web Services, Offline Address Book, etc.
If you want of keep both Exchange Servers in co-existence, then you can keep the external and internal namespace same.
SSL Certificate
When you have chosen the services to update in namespace, then you can include these service namespaces in the SSL certificate also. The SSL Certificates are important for a secure communication especially for the external communication with other users. The experts advise the users to keep the public SSL certificates for the Exchange communication. There are multiple authorized vendors that allows you to purchase special SSL certificate for the Exchange Server 2016.
How to migrate Exchange 2010 to 2016
The process of the Upgrade Exchange server version looks complicated. However, using the standard Exchange Migration Process you can easy to upgrade your Exchange server version.
EdbMails Exchange server Migration tool has unique and special characteristics for Exchange server upgrade and Migration. It support all Exchange server version and compatible all windows Operating system.
New Exchange server are giving latest features and functionalities and also give more security. If you are planning to migrate your Exchange 2016 to 2019 or Exchange 2010 to 2016 and many more, EdbMails Exchange migration is one of the best Exchange migration solutions that meet all your Exchange migration requirements.
The tool support Incremental Migration which ensures there is no duplication in the target mailboxes. Application also migrates your Exchange server to the destination Office 365 server and it creates automatic mailbox mapping and automatically creates impersonation rights to the target Office 365 server.
To upgrade your Exchange Server version, you can follow these general steps:
Review system requirements: Before starting the upgrade process, ensure that your server hardware and operating system meet the requirements for the target Exchange Server version. Check Microsoft's documentation for the specific system requirements of the version you plan to upgrade to.
Plan the upgrade: Develop a detailed plan for the upgrade, including considerations for downtime, data backup, and any necessary preparations. It's important to thoroughly test the upgrade process in a non-production environment before implementing it on your live Exchange Server.
Perform a full backup: Before proceeding with the upgrade, it's crucial to perform a full backup of your Exchange Server data, including mailboxes, databases, and configurations. This ensures that you have a reliable backup in case any issues arise during the upgrade process.
Install prerequisite software: Some Exchange Server versions may require specific prerequisite software or updates. Make sure to install any required updates or components, such as the .NET Framework or Windows Server roles, before proceeding with the upgrade.
Obtain the installation media: Obtain the installation media or download the installation files for the target Exchange Server version. This can usually be done from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center or the Microsoft Download Center.
Run the Exchange Server setup: Start the Exchange Server setup on the server where you want to perform the upgrade. Follow the installation wizard and choose the appropriate upgrade option. This may include upgrading the existing Exchange Server installation or installing the new version in a separate environment and migrating data.
Follow the upgrade wizard: The upgrade process will guide you through various steps, such as accepting the license agreement, selecting the installation location, and configuring the upgrade settings. Make sure to review and adjust the settings according to your specific requirements.
Perform post-upgrade tasks: After the upgrade completes, you may need to perform additional tasks, such as updating certificates, configuring virtual directories, and migrating mailboxes. Refer to the Microsoft documentation for the specific version you are upgrading to for detailed post-upgrade instructions.
Test and verify functionality: Once the upgrade is complete, thoroughly test the functionality of your Exchange Server environment to ensure that everything is working as expected. Test email delivery, mailbox access, and any custom configurations or integrations.
Communicate the upgrade to users: Inform your users about the upgrade and any changes or new features they need to be aware of. Provide any necessary instructions or training to ensure a smooth transition for your users.