New Exchange, SharePoint, Skype Server Versions in 2018

• Updated Office 2019 servers will be generally available in late 2018.
• The servers could require additional upgrades to platforms and associated software.
• The support life cycle of the servers is shortened, potentially indicating the end of on-premises versions.

The next on-premises versions of Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, and Skype for Business Server will appear in a coordinated release in late 2018. Adoption of these new versions could require OS and database upgrades and server replacements, but they could also extend the usable lifespan of associated client software versus the hosted versions. Customers will need to carefully evaluate their current software and hosted subscription licenses to determine whether moving to Office 2019 servers is necessary to maintain support, whether it will provide additional benefits to users, and whether it will require significant additional upgrades to platform software.

New Requirements and Support Life Cycle

The Office 2019 wave, expected in late 2018, will coordinate the general availability of the next versions of Office Professional Plus and Standard with new versions of on-premises server applications, including SharePoint, Exchange, and Skype for Business.