With Exchange Server vNext, Microsoft is phasing out the on-premise delivery model, making Exchange Server 2019 the last on-premise product version. Taylor said, “The next versions of Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, Skype for Business Server will be available in the second half of 2021, and only be available with the purchase of a subscription license.” Microsoft also announced new versions of other server products like Exchange Server, SharePoint Server. Going forward, Skype for Business Server can be installed directly with Lync Server 2013 and Skype for Business Server 2015. The details of the actual release name, pricing and availability will be shared later. The Redmond tech giant, which sells communications server software - Skype for Business under an on-premise licensing model plans to shift to a subscription-based model.Īt the recently concluded Microsoft Ignite 2020, Microsoft’s Greg Taylor, Director of Marketing for Exchange, revealed that the next version of Skype for Business Server is temporarily dubbed vNext. Microsoft announced plans to release a new version of Skype for Business Server in the second half of 2021.

The question is - would customers want to upgrade to the cloud and pay a monthly subscription for depreciated products that don’t have a new feature roadmap yet. Microsoft has introduced new subscription plans for the upcoming 2021 releases of legacy office server software, that includes Exchange Server, Skype for Business Server, and SharePoint Server.

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