Effective July 1, 2025, Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) and Skype for Business Server Subscription Edition (SE) become generally available, which marks a significant licensing shift in Microsoft’s approach to on-premises server products. It aligns them with the modern lifecycle policy and transitions them from a traditional 3-year version cycle to a “version-less” product with regular updates.
Licensing
Exchange Server SE and Skype for Business Server SE are server solutions that will be available on a subscription basis, rather than through traditional licensing. These products will receive regular updates and improvements, ensuring they remain secure and up to date. To deploy and use Subscription Edition (SE) server products, customers must have active Software Assurance (SA) or cloud subscription licenses for all users and devices that access them.
What is the Modern Lifecycle Policy?
The Modern Lifecycle Policy ensures that subscription-based products receive continuous updates and improvements. This policy replaces the traditional 3-year version cycle with a “version-less” approach. This means that instead of waiting for major version releases every few years, customers will receive regular updates and enhancements as they become available.
Previously, under the traditional 3-year version cycle, products like Exchange Server and Skype for Business Server would receive major updates only with new version releases, such as Exchange Server 2016. This meant that there were no significant updates or new features introduced in the years between major releases, like in the years 2017 or 2018.
This new approach of applying the Modern Lifecycle Policy helps to keep the products secure, up-to-date, and aligned with the latest technological advancements.
The releases of Subscription Editions for Exchange Server and Skype for Business Server bring these products into alignment with SharePoint Server and Project Server, which have already transitioned to a subscription-based model back in 2021.
Why is Microsoft transitioning to subscription-based server products?
The transition to subscription-based server products is driven by the need to provide ongoing updates and support, ensuring that these products remain competitive and effective in meeting the evolving needs of businesses.
Will there come a price increase with these Subscription Editions?
Yes, starting July 1, 2025. Please read this new article for more information: https://www.schneider.im/microsoft-on-premises-price-increases.
More Information:
Microsoft Licensing: https://www.schneider.im/software/microsoft/.
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