Microsoft SharePoint has long been the backbone of enterprise collaboration, intranet portals, and secure document management. While Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Online are leading the way for cloud adoption, many organizations across industries still prefer to keep their environments on-premises for reasons such as data residency, compliance, and internal security policies.
For these businesses, Microsoft introduced SharePoint Server Subscription Edition (SE) in July 2021 — the most modern, future-ready version of SharePoint for on-premises deployments. Unlike previous fixed-release versions (2013, 2016, 2019), SharePoint SE follows a subscription model, ensuring continuous feature updates, enhanced security, and better integration with the Microsoft ecosystem.
Read the official SharePoint SE overview and documentation.
What is SharePoint Subscription Edition (SE)?
SharePoint SE is Microsoft’s latest on-premises version of SharePoint Server. It was built with the goal of providing enterprises with an evergreen, subscription-based platform that combines the best of on-premises reliability with modern cloud-driven innovations.
Unlike SharePoint 2019, which will reach the end of mainstream support in July 2026, SE is designed to remain current and supported indefinitely as long as your subscription is active.
Key Features of SharePoint SE
According to Microsoft, SharePoint SE introduces key improvements that make it more secure, flexible, and future proof:
- Evergreen Subscription Model – Continuous feature and security updates.
- Modern Infrastructure – Supports Windows Server 2022 and SQL Server 2019/2022.
- Security – TLS 1.3, modern authentication (OpenID Connect, OAuth 2.0).
- Hybrid & Cloud Integration – Better integration with Microsoft 365 services.
- Performance – Supports HTTP/3, enhanced caching, and faster connections.
- Future-Proofing – No end-of-life cliff, always updated.
Why Upgrade Before June 2026?
If your organization is still running SharePoint 2019 (or earlier), consider these:
– End of Mainstream Support in July 2026.
– Higher security risks with outdated platforms.
– Compatibility gaps with newer Microsoft technologies.
– Increased maintenance costs.
Benefits of Moving to SharePoint SE
- Improved employee experience.
- Stronger governance and compliance.
- Hybrid cloud flexibility.
- Cost efficiency with subscription licensing.
- Business continuity with reduced downtime.
How AscenWork Technologies Can Help
At AscenWork Technologies, we specialize in SharePoint development, migration, and support. Our SharePoint SE upgrade services include assessment, infrastructure readiness, migration, testing, training, and ongoing support.
Conclusion
SharePoint Server Subscription Edition (SE) is the future of on-premises collaboration. With mainstream support for SharePoint 2019 ending in 2026, upgrading ensures security, performance, and compliance.
AscenWork Technologies is your trusted partner for a seamless SharePoint SE migration.
Have a question? check these answers.
No. SharePoint is not going away; Microsoft is evolving it with SharePoint Online and Subscription Edition.
It’s Microsoft’s latest on-premises version of SharePoint, updated with modern features on a subscription model.
It was released in July 2021, with continuous updates from Microsoft.
Limits are similar to SharePoint Server 2019; scalability depends on configuration and licensing.
Exchange Server Subscription Edition is Microsoft’s on-premises mail server offered with a subscription model.
Microsoft shifted towards subscription with Office 365 in 2011, continuing with SharePoint SE and other products.
Pricing varies by licensing and deployment needs. AscenWork helps businesses choose the right plan.
Yes, Exchange Server SE continues to be supported with ongoing updates.
Yes, for SharePoint SE (on-prem) or Microsoft 365 (cloud). Both follow subscription-based licensing.
SharePoint (Online) is cloud-based in Microsoft 365, while SharePoint Server (SE) is on-premises with more control and infrastructure needs.
