In June 2022 we got a detailed blog post from the Exchange team about the Exchange Server roadmap: “We have moved the release date for the next version of Exchange Server to the second half of 2025. The next version will require Server and CAL licenses and will be accessible only to customers with Software Assurance, similar to the SharePoint Server and Project Server Subscription Editions. We will provide more details on naming, features, requirements, and pricing in the first half of 2024.”
Microsoft had previously announced at Ignite 2020 that all the Office on-premises server products were moving to a subscription model.
So SharePoint Subscription server was released, and Exchange recently explained they were delaying but releasing in the second half of 2025, what about Skype for Business Server vNext?
Previously the plan was for Skype for Business Server 2022, which was originally due in the second half of 2021. Obviously, the pandemic (and Microsoft Teams subsequent massive success and adoption), changed those plans.
Today we got a blog from the Skype for Business team: “We continue to evaluate customer needs for this opportunity and remain committed to supporting Skype for Business Server beyond October 14, 2025, but do not have additional details to share currently.”
The blog reminds customers that Skype for Business Server 2015 is already out of mainstream support, Skype for Business Server 2019 mainstream support ends Jan 9, 2024. Both SfBS 2015 and 2019 are supported on extended support until Oct 14, 2025. This is a paid support option. Though they encourage customers committed to on-premises to move to SfBS 2019.
The Skype for Business blog ends with “Stay tuned to this blog post for future news and announcements about Skype for Business Server”. Being that the post before this was in March 2021, I wouldn’t much more detail anytime soon.
