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Replacing Hybrid Exchange server from On-prem and deploying it in Azure

Prakashraaj V 1 Reputation point
2020-08-04T13:06:12.82+00:00

we have existing Exchange server at on-premises. 2013 with cumulative update 3. The mail boxes are already pointed to O365
We need to replace the server on-prem by deploying a VM in Azure and run the Hybrid Wizard in the Azure VM.
We would like to know if its possible?
Also if we run the Hybrid Wizard in new server, does the existing server be anyway affected?

Azure Virtual Machines
Azure Virtual Machines
An Azure service that is used to provision Windows and Linux virtual machines.
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Microsoft Exchange Hybrid Management
Microsoft Exchange Hybrid Management
Microsoft Exchange: Microsoft messaging and collaboration software.Hybrid Management: Organizing, handling, directing or controlling hybrid deployments.
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  1. Andy David - MVP 142.6K Reputation points MVP
    2020-08-04T13:15:25.143+00:00

    Not something I would recommend. You still need a writable Domain Controller for the Exchange Server to use in Azure, you can't use ADDS.
    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/Exchange/plan-and-deploy/deploy-new-installations/create-azure-test-environments?redirectedfrom=MSDN&view=exchserver-2019

    Seems like a lot of work and resources for little value.

    I would keep it on-prem.

    Also. Exch 2013 should be at CU23. Is that what you meant? When you run the Hybrid Wizard, it doesnt affect the existing server but make sure you read all all about it and understand how it works and the requirements

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/hybrid-deployment-prerequisites

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  2. KyleXu-MSFT 26,211 Reputation points
    2020-08-05T08:40:18.883+00:00

    Do you want to remove physical domain and Exchange server(migrate bother of them to Azure VM)?

    If you still remain the physical domain, you just need to change DNS record(autodiscover and mail.domain.com) to the new Exchange server which hosted on Azure VM. Then you could rerun HCW on it.

    If you want to remove the physical domain, it will be a long job:

    1. Create second DC and Exchange server on Azure VM coexist with local Exchange
    2. Migrate physical DC function to VM DC
    3. Migrate local Exchange to VM Exchange
    4. Change DNS record to VM Exchange
    5. Rerun HCW on VM Exchange
    6. Uninstall physical DC and Exchange
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  3. Prakashraaj V 1 Reputation point
    2020-08-06T05:06:51.987+00:00

    We are moving the Exchange server to Azure VM Because the present Exchange server resides in Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise SP1.

    We already have a writable Domain controller in Azure.

  4. Andy David - MVP 142.6K Reputation points MVP
    2020-08-06T11:32:59.3+00:00

    If all the mailboxes are in Office 365, then I would simply bring up a new server in Azure running Windows 2016 and Exchange 2016.
    Then run the latest Hybrid Wizard and get a free hybrid key if you dont have a license. I wouldnt migrate the existing server.

    When running the hybrid, choose the new Exch 2016 server.

    Ensure you meet all the requirements before doing that:- especially for ports and networking if you going to run this in Azure.

    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/exchange/hybrid-deployment-prerequisites

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