Microsoft SMTP Service Announcement: Action Required
Overview
As a result of changes made by Microsoft to enhance security of e-mail services, we have had to make some changes to the way we process e-mails from within finPOWER Connect. Starting September 2025, there will be an important change regarding your email services.
Clients currently using our Microsoft SMTP service will need to take action to maintain the ability to send emails from finPOWER Connect. To ensure a smooth transition and avoid disruptions, we strongly recommend reviewing your options and planning ahead. Clients who do not take action by September 2025 will lose the ability to send emails from finPOWER Connect. Please note, depending on set up, some changes may take place prior to September 2025.
Symptoms
Emails will fail to send on or around September 2025 (or when Microsoft decide).
Issue
Microsoft is to retire basic authentication for Client Submission (SMTP AUTH) in Exchange Online. This is used in finPOWER Connect without any alternative in versions prior to 4.01.01. However can be configured to use the more modern method (using Entra Id enabled Exchange Accounts) from that version onward.
For more information, see: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/exchange/exchange-online-to-retire-basic-auth-for-client-submission-smtp-auth/4114750.
Solution
The following options are available:
- Move to Microsoft Exchange – Clients can transition to Exchange for their email service. See the link below with instructions how to configure Exchange in finPOWER Connect.
- Please note that Exchange is only available from version 4.01.01, so a database upgrade may be required before migration.
- Switch to another non Microsoft SMTP Provider – Clients may opt to migrate to an alternative SMTP service of their choice and may not need to upgrade.
Our support team is available to assist with any questions regarding migration or upgrades. For more details and guidance, please contact us at applicationsupport@intersoft.co.nz.