Exchange 2007 Nears End of Life: What Comes Next?

Five short months are all that remain until Exchange Server 2007 goes end of life. As the April 11, 2017 expiration date for Exchange extended support nears, businesses still using it face a fork in surprised-employeethe road. They can assume the risks of using outdated and unsupported technology and press on with Exchange 2007 (not recommended), or they can make the jump to a more modern, more secure email and scheduling solution.

Modernizing is the correct move and there are plenty of options open to businesses looking to do so while staying in the Exchange family. Although, not all of these options are equal. For example, something like Exchange Server 2013 is certainly a viable upgrade possibility. However, that solution is already three years into its life cycle, meaning it’s three years closer to its own end of support date.

Let’s take a closer look at another option, one which may make more sense for businesses looking to say goodbye to Exchange 2007 before next April.

Making the move to email by Office 365

Mobilize your workforce by giving them access to the Office applications they count on, no matter where employees are located – or what device they’re using. In addition to providing access to essentials such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Office 365 also delivers email and calendar services via Exchange Online.

Businesses which elect to go with Office 365 (and Exchange Online), will gain access to the following capabilities:

  • Advanced Threat Protection secures end users against threats known and unknown lurking in their inboxes. It can be licensed specifically for higher-risk end users whose credentials and access might be highly-coveted by cyber criminals or it can be deployed across an organization. This tool will automatically quarantine emails as they come in and scan attachments for threats, while still allowing users to read and act on the text of the message.
  • Hands-free inbox management support through features like In-place archive and Clutter help protect users against email overload. In-place Archive feature complements the 50 GB of mailbox space built-in to Exchange Online by giving users an unlimited secondary or “archive” mailbox. Older messages are automatically archived, where they can be accessed by users on an as-needed basis. Meanwhile, Clutter applies machine-learning to inbox management, enforcing rules which support employee work habits.
  • A familiar user experience which comes through Exchange Online’s ability to connect with supported versions of Outlook. This is also true for users accessing their account through a web-client. This makes for a more user-friendly experience that enhances productivity. Exchange Online further delivers on this by providing an easy plug-in model for third party web apps. In addition, Exchange Online also lets users gain access through the Outlook app for iOS and Android devices.
  • Enhanced user collaboration which comes from the ability to save files directly to OneDrive for Business and then link to those files from within Outlook. Exchange Online also works with Office 365’s Groups feature, which ensures the right people are able to access and collaborate on shared files. Exchanged further enhances collaboration with its shared calendar feature, taking the hassle out of managing the logistics behind working as a group.    

The email solution and support your team needs

Office 365 isn’t the only option businesses have, but its multifaceted nature puts it near the top of the list of the most compelling. With the clock ticking on Exchange Server 2007, don’t hesitate to reach out to our award-winning Microsoft team to start talking about the future of your business’ approach to communication. Our team excels at working with businesses to find the method that best fits their needs. Once deployed, our Managed Services team can handle management, reducing the strain on your onsite IT team.

Visit www.arrayasolutions.com/contact-us/ to open up a dialogue today. Or, feel free to reach out to us through social media: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. While you’re there, follow us to keep up with our latest company news, special events, and learning opportunities.

Arraya Insights