Keep your environment safe and up to date: Microsoft Exchange Cumulative Update

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Microsoft has announced the release of their Cumulative Updates for Exchange Server 2016 and Exchange Server 2019. Until Microsoft releases a full new version of Exchange Server, this is the best method for keeping your Exchange environment updated and running at its peak. The following are some of the highlights of the update.

 

Support for Windows Server 2022

With the update, Microsoft now supports running Exchange Server 2019 on HPE ProLiant servers that are running the Windows Server 2022 operating system (OS) or being used as Windows Server 2022 Active Directory servers. You can find out more details on Exchange Server OS support using the Exchange Server supportability matrix.

Updated management tools

Previously, organizations that had all their mailboxes in Exchange Online and used Active Directory (AD) for identity management needed to have a running Exchange server in their environment in order to perform recipient management activities. The updated Exchange Management Tools role enables customers who run Exchange server(s) only for recipient management purposes to use Windows PowerShell for recipient management instead. This is good news for customers who now no longer have to manage or pay to license that server.

Less frequent updates

Responding to feedback that quarterly updates are too frequent, Microsoft will now be releasing updates twice a year, and pushing hotfixes between release dates if necessary. Note that future updates will only be for Exchange 2019, as mainstream support has ended for Exchange 2016 and 2013.

New hybrid experience

Microsoft has updated their licensing to add a product key for Exchange 2019 hybrid servers at no additional charge (which was previously available only for Exchange 2010, 2013, and 2016). In addition, the Hybrid Configuration wizard has been updated to support this change.

Attention bounty hunters: New $$$ program for Exchange Server

Microsoft has launched a security vulnerability bounty program for Microsoft Exchange Server. Now anyone can receive a cash bounty for submitting security vulnerabilities found in Exchange Server on the latest, fully patched version of Windows. Qualified submissions are eligible for bounty rewards from $500 to $30,000 USD.

As always, be sure to complete Microsoft updates to be sure you are getting the latest and greatest features and functionality form your Microsoft investments.

Also, keep in mind that HPE OEM licenses for Windows Server 2022, including the HPE reseller option kit (ROK) licenses, offer the very same Windows Server operating system you would get directly from Microsoft. However, through our OEM agreement with Microsoft, HPE is able to optimize Windows Server specifically for HPE servers and it is BIOS-locked to ensure it can only be installed on HPE servers. When you choose the HPE OEM branded version, HPE includes free online or telephone support for initial setup for 90 days from the date of purchase.

Learn more:

• Blog: New Microsoft Exchange Cumulative Update is Here
• Microsoft cumulative Update announcement
• Exchange Server 2019 Cumulative Update 12 (KB5011156), VLSC Download, Download
• Exchange Server 2016 Cumulative Update 23 (KB5011155), Download, UM Lang Packs