Hybrid Deployment of On-Premises Exchange 2016 with Exchange Online, Mimecast Included: A Step-by-Step Guide
Proposal for Comprehensive Integration: Co- existence of On-Site Exchange and Exchange Online
Want to create a potent mix of on-premises and cloud-based email systems? This guide walks you through the process of integrating your On-Premises Exchange 2016 with Exchange Online, complete with Mimecast beefing up the security and compliance.
Objectives
- Seamlessly merge your On-Prem Exchange 2016 with Exchange Online.
- Bolster security and adhere to compliance through Mimecast integration.
- Streamline email management and communication.
- Deliver a top-notch user experience amidst a unified email solution.
Prerequisites (Already Completed)
- Azure AD Integration: Sync with Azure Active Directory.
- SharePoint Online: Office 365's SharePoint is all set up and interconnected.
Scope
Phase 1: Planning and Assessment
- Reqs Gathering: Document the specifics of your hybrid integration requirements.
- Enviro Assessment: Evaluate the current Exchange 2016 setup and Azure AD integration.
- Stakeholder Meetings: Hash out project objectives with key stakeholders.
Phase 2: Design
- Hybrid Configuration Design: Architect the hybrid configuration between On-Prem Exchange 2016 and Exchange Online.
- Security and Compliance Design: Sketch out integration points for Mimecast to ensure robust security and compliance.
- Backup and Recovery Plan: Formulate a strategy for safeguarding your hybrid environment.
Phase 3: Implementation
- Hybrid Configuration Wizard (HCW): Set up the HCW for On-Prem Exchange 2016 and Office 365's Exchange Online.
- Enable hybrid features like active sync, mailbox moves, and secure mailflow.
- Alter DNS records for the hybrid setup.
- Mimecast Integration:
- Mimecast Sync Settings: Configure Mimecast synchronization with both On-Prem and Exchange Online.
- Policy Setup: Define security policies and archiving settings within Mimecast.
Phase 4: Testing
- Functional Testing: Check that email transmission is smooth between On-Prem and Exchange Online.
- Security Testing: Assess Mimecast's efficiency in enforcing security policies.
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Field test the solution among a select group of users.
Phase 5: Migration and Rollout
- Pilot Migration: Kick off a pilot migration to test the migration processes.
- Full Migration: Execute the complete migration plan, transferring necessary mailboxes to Exchange Online.
- User Training: Conduct training sessions and provide documentation for end-users and administrators.
Phase 6: Post-Implementation Support
- Monitoring and Optimization: Watch over the hybrid environment and adjust as needed for optimal performance.
- Issue Resolution: Tackle any issues that arise in the post-implementation stage.
- Documentation: Wrap up all project documentation, including setup details and operational procedures.
Considerations
- Licensing Requirements: Ensure that licenses for Exchange Online and Mimecast are obtained for all users.
- Network Bandwidth: Adequately assess and, if necessary, upgrade network bandwidth to accommodate increased traffic.
- User Communication: Keep users in the loop about the migration process and any potential downtime.
- Data Compliance: Maintain compliance with organizational and legal regulations throughout data handling processes.
Timeline
The migration project should take approximately 6-8 months, depending on the complexity of the current setup and the size of the migration.
Budget
The budget will be developed during the planning phase, considering licensing costs, hardware upgrades, professional fees, and contingency reserves.
Risks and Mitigations
- Downtime Risk: Mitigate this by scheduling migrations during off-peak hours. Set up a rollback plan for quick recovery if needed.
- Data Loss Risk: Lessen this by implementing reliable backup and recovery solutions.
- User Resistance: Counteract this through effective communication and user training.
- To create a seamless hybrid email system, gather the specifics of your hybrid integration requirements for on-premises Exchange 2016 and Exchange Online.
- Evaluate the current Exchange 2016 setup and Azure AD integration as part of the environmental assessment during the planning phase.
- Architect the hybrid configuration between On-Prem Exchange 2016 and Exchange Online, including a design for security and compliance to ensure Mimecast integration.
- After the hybrid configuration setup, configure Mimecast synchronization with both On-Prem and Exchange Online, followed by defining security policies and archiving settings within Mimecast.
- Enable functional and security testing to check the smooth email transmission between On-Prem and Exchange Online, and assess Mimecast's efficiency in enforcing security policies.
- Keep users informed about the migration process and any potential downtime to maintain effective communication.
- Develop the budget considering licensing costs, hardware upgrades, professional fees, and contingency reserves, understanding that the migration project might take approximately 6-8 months depending on the complexity of the current setup and the size of the migration.
