Scope of Work: Exchange Hybrid Side-by-Side Migration to Exchange
Server SE
Project Overview
This project involves a side-by-side migration of the existing on-premises Exchange hybrid
environment to Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) across three environments:
- Primary Environment
- Disaster Recovery (DR) Environment
- Test Environment
The scope includes full deployment of Exchange SE, re-establishing hybrid connectivity with
Microsoft 365, and migrating mailboxes and configurations in each environment.
Objectives
- Deploy Exchange Server SE in all three environments.
- Maintain and validate hybrid functionality with Microsoft 365.
- Migrate mailboxes, connectors, and configurations to Exchange SE.
- Ensure high availability (Primary ↔ DR) and testability (Test Environment).
Side-by-Side Migration Approach
As part of this engagement, we request the vendor to adopt a side-by-side migration
strategy for transitioning to Exchange Server Subscription Edition (SE) across
the Primary, DR, and Test environments.
This approach involves deploying Exchange SE servers in parallel with the existing
Exchange infrastructure, allowing for phased migration of mailboxes and configurations
while minimizing disruption to ongoing services.
We expect the vendor to:
• Ensure that any potential downtime is clearly communicated in advance and
scheduled during maintenance windows.
• Implement mailbox migration and configuration changes in a manner that avoids
service interruption.
• Provide a rollback plan to revert to the legacy Exchange environment in case of
unforeseen issues.
• Conduct thorough validation of hybrid connectivity and mail flow before final
cutover.
The vendor is responsible for identifying and mitigating risks associated with this
migration strategy and for keeping the client informed of any issues that may
impact business continuity.
Classification: Sukoon-Business
In-Scope Activities
1. Current Environment Configuration:
Environment Indicatory Exchange Version OS Version Notes
Server Name
Production EXCH-PRIM-01 Exchange 2016 Windows DAG member
CU23, Version 15.1 Server 2016
(Build 2507.6)
Production EXCH-PRIM-02 Exchange 2016 Windows DAG member
CU23, Version 15.1 Server 2016
(Build 2507.6)
DR EXCH-DR-01 Exchange 2016 Windows DAG member
CU23, Version 15.1 Server 2016
(Build 2507.6)
Test EXCH-TEST-01 Exchange 2016 Windows Standalone
CU23, Version 15.1 Server 2016
(Build 2507.6)
2. Discovery & Planning
- Review current Exchange hybrid topology and configurations.
- Document existing infrastructure, including:
- Mailbox databases
- Connectors
- Accepted domains
- Transport rules
- Namespace design
- Define environment-specific requirements and dependencies.
3. Exchange SE Deployment
- Install and configure Exchange SE in:
- Primary Environment
- DR Environment
- Test Environment
- Apply latest cumulative updates and security patches.
- Configure certificates, namespaces, and virtual directories.
4. Hybrid Configuration
- Run Hybrid Configuration Wizard (HCW) in each environment as applicable.
- Validate mail flow and directory synchronization with Microsoft 365.
- Configure OAuth and Modern Authentication.
5. Mailbox Migration
- Identify and categorize mailboxes for migration in each environment.
- Migrate all mailboxes in the:
- Test Environment
Classification: Sukoon-Business
- Primary Environment
- DR Environment
- Validate mailbox access, mail flow, and calendar functionality post-migration.
- Update mailbox permissions, policies, and quotas as needed.
6. Configuration Migration
- Recreate or migrate:
- Connectors
- Transport rules
- Accepted domains
- Address book policies
- Email address policies
- Validate coexistence and hybrid mail flow.
7. Testing & Validation
- Perform functional and regression testing in all environments.
- Validate:
- Mail flow (internal, external, hybrid)
- Mailbox access (OWA, Outlook)
- Calendar sharing and free/busy
- High availability and failover (Primary ↔ DR)
- Document test results and obtain sign-off.
8. Documentation & Knowledge Transfer
- Provide detailed documentation for each environment.
- Conduct knowledge transfer sessions with internal IT teams.
Deliverables
- Fully deployed and configured Exchange SE in Primary, DR, and Test environments.
- Migrated mailboxes and configurations.
- Validated hybrid connectivity and mail flow.
- Migration and testing reports.
- Final documentation and handover.
Vendor Responsibilities Summary:
• Conduct discovery and planning sessions.
• Deploy Exchange Server SE in all three environments.
• Configure hybrid connectivity with Microsoft 365.
• Perform mailbox and configuration migration.
• Execute testing and validation procedures.
• Provide documentation and conduct knowledge transfer.
Classification: Sukoon-Business
