What the End of Applied Systems Hosted Exchange Means for Your Brokerage
If your Insurance brokerage relies on Applied Systems’ Hosted Exchange for email services, you may have recently received a notification about its retirement. This change could significantly impact your business, but there’s no need to worry, there’s still time to transition to a more modern and secure email solution, like Microsoft Office 365.
At Commercial Networks, we specialise in seamless migrations with minimal disruption, ensuring your brokerage continues to operate smoothly.
Why is Applied Systems Retiring Hosted Exchange?
For years, Applied Systems has provided email services to brokers using Microsoft Exchange, a widely used enterprise email server. However, in recent years, businesses worldwide have shifted to cloud-based solutions like Office 365 due to its superior collaboration tools, lower maintenance, and enhanced security features.
Applied Systems has faced increasing challenges in maintaining the reliability of Hosted Exchange. Brokers have reported frequent email disruptions, and some have even experienced issues with emails failing to reach insurers. Rather than investing in upgrading their email platform, Applied Systems has chosen to exit the email hosting business entirely to focus on their core insurance brokerage solutions.
How Will This Affect Your Brokerage?
If your brokerage is using Applied Hosted Exchange, you will need to migrate all email data to a new provider before the service is discontinued. This change won’t happen overnight, but it’s important to begin planning your transition now to avoid last-minute disruptions.
Here’s how to determine if your business is affected:
- Since Hosted Exchange was included as part of Applied Systems’ services rather than billed separately, it may not appear on your invoice.
- You can verify if you’re using Applied Systems’ email service by checking your MX record. Use a tool like MX Toolbox and enter your domain name. If you see records pointing to
smtp.appliedexch.co.uk, your brokerage will need to transition to a new email provider.
Why Microsoft Office 365 is the Best Alternative
We strongly recommend Microsoft Office 365 as the best replacement for Applied Hosted Exchange. Here’s why:
- Industry-Leading Security – Office 365 includes advanced security features like multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and AI-driven threat detection to protect your brokerage from cyber threats.
- Seamless Integration – Office 365 integrates effortlessly with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, providing a complete suite of collaboration tools.
- Reliability & Compliance – Microsoft offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee, ensuring your brokerage remains operational. It also supports industry compliance requirements, making it a trusted choice for financial and insurance businesses.
How Commercial Networks Can Help
At Commercial Networks, we have extensive experience working with brokers across the UK. You may remember Mat, Steve, and the team from their time working with SSP and Sirius before launching Commercial Networks over a decade ago. Our deep understanding of insurance software, including Acturis, Pure Broking, and Applied Systems, allows us to offer IT solutions tailored to brokerage needs.
Beyond email migration, our Managed IT Services prioritise cybersecurity, ensuring your brokerage is protected from emerging threats. Our services include:
- Employee Cyber Awareness Training – Helping your staff recognize phishing emails and cyber threats.
- Advanced Email Filtering – Blocking spam, phishing, and malicious emails before they reach your inbox.
- Endpoint Protection & 24/7 Security Monitoring – Our Security Operations Center (SOC) monitors Microsoft Office 365 tenancies around the clock, keeping your business secure.
Next Steps: Secure Your Brokerage’s Email Before the Deadline
The time to act is now. We can help you plan and execute a smooth transition to Microsoft Office 365 before Applied Systems shuts down their email services.
Schedule a call with Mat or Steve today to discuss your options and ensure your brokerage is prepared for this change.
If you’re already using Office 365 and want to assess its security, increase your Microsoft Secure Score, or meet cybersecurity insurance requirements, contact us today, we’re here to help.
