We want to go cloud only with Exchange online, but documentation suggests that we must have an Exchange server on-premises since we have EntraID connect for directory synchronization. Is this true?

Question

We have Microsoft Exchange online in a hybrid configuration with one single Exchange 2016 server. I noticed that Exchange 2016 and 2019 are EOL in October 14^^of this year, which means that we may need to migrate to Exchange Server SE on premises to keep hybrid continuity.  Microsoft documentation suggests that we keep the hybrid configuration alive and retain at least one Exchange SE server online due to the fact that we have Azure AD connect in place for identity synchronization.My question is this: is there a way to retain directory synchronization through Azure AD connect, while being in an Exchange Online only state? I'm looking for some guidance from seasoned Exchange/Exchange Online admins who can advise us on this.

Answer 1

Hello Jamie McFarling,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

From the description above, I understand your question is related to Exchange Online and Microsoft Entra ID.

Since there are no engineers dedicated to Exchange Online and Microsoft Entra ID in this forum. in order to be able to get a quick and effective handling of your issue, I recommend that you repost your question in the Q&A forum, where there will be a dedicated engineer to give you a professional and effective reply.

Here is the link for Q&A forum.
Questions - Microsoft Q&A

Click the "Ask a Question" button in the upper right corner to post your question and type "Exchange Online" tag "Microsoft Entra ID" tag and select any tags related to your productions.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,
Daisy Zhou