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Still using Forefront Protection 2010 for Exchange Server? Make your move soon!

Back in September 2012, in order to better align security and protection solutions with the workloads and applications they protect, we announced changes to the roadmaps of some of the security solutions offered under the Forefront brand.

Forefront Protection 2010 for Exchange Server (FPE) is a Microsoft security solution that also works with prior versions of Forefront server and Antigen products.  Microsoft stopped offering the FPE product in 2012, but committed to supporting FPE subscriptions through December 31, 2015 to give you sufficient time to move. Subscriptions expiring before December 31, 2015 will not be renewed; virus updates and signatures will not be made available after this date and the service will end.

We will continue to support you for another 12 months to give you sufficient time to make your move to alternative solutions.

What can I do to migrate?

We recommend you review the antimalware protection solution used with your on-premises email service now so you can make changes before December 31, 2015. FPE protection includes edge protection and an internal antivirus (AV) solution. Basic antimalware protection is now included in Exchange Server 2013. This protection can be easily turned off, replaced or paired with other services (like Exchange Online Protection) to provide a layered defense. Exchange Online Protection (EOP) provides edge protection and you can combine built-in Exchange 2013 AV with some desktop AV to get the internal protection.

Exchange Online Protection (EOP) is already widely used to protect millions of mailboxes across the globe, including every single mailbox on Office 365. You can get started today with your new subscription for EOP and we have loads of technical resources for you on EOP on TechNet, Office 365 Trust Center and Microsoft Virtual Academy. Learn how we are advancing EOP to meet tomorrow’s threat and read about recent updates to handle bulk spam and support for DKIM/DMARC. All other future updates for EOP can be tracked through the Office 365 Public roadmap.

—Shobhit Sahay is a technical product manager on the Office 365 Team.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Are there any other ForeFront services that are affected?

A. Along with FPE, Forefront Threat Management Gateway Web Protection Services (TMG WPS), subscription support will also end on December 31, 2015. Outside of online services, perpetual server licenses for Forefront Threat Management Gateway 2010 (TMG) will continue to have five years mainstream support and five years extended support from time of initial release. Forefront TMG mainstream support will end on April 14, 2015 and extended support will end April 14, 2020.

Q. Can I renew my subscription license?

A. No. The subscription cannot be renewed. The license to use the product will terminate on or before December 31, 2015, with support provided till December 31, 2015.

Q. My FPE subscription expired before December 31, 2015. Can I still get virus updates till end of life?

A. Yes, if your subscription license for FPE is set to expire before December 31, 2015, you qualify for a support workaround through December 31, 2015.  You should review Microsoft Support Article 2793998 titled “License extension for End-of-Life Antigen and Forefront products” for more information on this “extension.”