Exchange 2013 SP1 Adds Windows Server 2012 R2 Support, Features

Exchange Server 2013 SP1 became generally available in Feb. 2014, adding Windows Server 2012 R2 support to the messaging product. SP1 also delivers several administrative and productivity features, some of which were available previously but discontinued. The update contains all previous Exchange 2013 Cumulative Updates (CUs) and the latest bug fixes. Windows Server 2012 R2 support and the stability implied by an SP1 release may encourage some organizations to deploy Exchange 2013. Most existing customers have about a year before the update is required for support, but some customers with Exchange Online services must upgrade immediately.

Support Requirements Affected by Release

Customers must install Exchange service packs within just over a year after they become generally available to continue receiving Microsoft product support. Exchange 2013 SP1 will become required for support in Apr. 2015. Further, the latest Exchange CU (SP1 is considered to be CU4, and the next update will be CU5) must be installed by customers with hybrid deployments that include Exchange Online users and by customers that use Exchange Online Archiving for on-premises deployments to receive support.