Many organisations believe they’ve completed their journey to the cloud. Mailboxes are in Exchange Online, users are thriving with Microsoft 365, and email just works. But in many cases, one last on-premises dependency remains: the Exchange 2016 hybrid server.
This server no longer hosts mailboxes or routes mail. Its only role is to manage recipient attributes in Active Directory a leftover from the days when hybrid coexistence was essential.
With Exchange Server 2016 reaching end of support on 14 October 2025, this hybrid server has become a liability.
Why This Matters
- Security risk: Unsupported software is a prime target for attackers.
- Compliance exposure: Auditors rarely overlook end-of-life servers still in production.
- Hidden cost: Running a full Exchange server just for recipient management adds unnecessary overhead.
Keeping Exchange 2016 alive beyond October 2025 is a risk with no reward.
A Modern Way Forward
Microsoft now offers a lightweight solution for organisations that are fully cloud-based. This approach allows you to manage mail-enabled objects without relying on a traditional Exchange server.
You can finally decommission that lingering 2016 hybrid server and adopt a modern management model. This reduces complexity, cuts costs, and eliminates a key security concern.
Why Act Now
- The end-of-support deadline is approaching fast.
- Projects like this require planning, testing, and change management.
- Delaying increases pressure on your IT team as the deadline nears.
How Technimove Can Help
At Technimove, we work with organisations that have moved to Exchange Online but still rely on a hybrid Exchange 2016 server. We help them:
- Assess their current environment and dependencies
- Design a safe, supported path to modern recipient management
- Retire the on-premises Exchange server without disrupting daily operations
This isn’t just about replacing technology. It’s about reducing risk and improving operational efficiency.
Next Steps
If your organisation still has an Exchange 2016 hybrid server, now is the time to act. The clock is ticking toward October 2025, and delaying only increases your exposure.