Microsoft 365 Certified: Administrator ExpertDeploy and manage a Microsoft 365 tenantHard
A Microsoft 365 administrator is preparing for a large-scale migration of user mailboxes from an on-premises Exchange Server 2016 environment to Exchange Online. The company requires a staged migration approach to minimize disruption and maintain seamless coexistence during the transition. Users must be able to access their mailboxes regardless of whether they are on-premises or in the cloud, and free/busy information must be shared between both environments. Which type of Exchange deployment should the administrator implement?
- ACutover migration
- BRemote move migration
- CHybrid deployment
- DStaged migration
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Hybrid deployment
A hybrid deployment provides the best solution for seamless coexistence and staged migration, allowing mailboxes to reside both on-premises and in Exchange Online. It ensures free/busy sharing, unified global address list, and consistent user experience during the transition, which is critical for a large-scale migration minimizing disruption.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Cutover migration is for small organizations (up to 2000 mailboxes) and involves moving all mailboxes at once, leading to potential disruption.
- B. Remote move migration is a component of a hybrid deployment, not a standalone deployment type that provides full coexistence.
- D. Staged migration (legacy method) is for Exchange 2003/2007 and doesn't provide the full coexistence features (like free/busy, unified GAL) of a hybrid deployment.
Exchange Hybrid Deployment
A configuration that integrates an on-premises Exchange organization with Exchange Online, creating a single, unified environment for email and collaboration during migration and for long-term coexistence.
- Provides seamless mailbox moves between on-premises and cloud.
- Enables shared free/busy, unified Global Address List (GAL).
- Offers a consistent user experience during migration.
Memory trick: Hybrid deployment is like building a bridge between your on-premises castle and your cloud kingdom, allowing everyone to travel freely.