We are currently running BES 4.17 with Lotus Notes. Our company is moving to Outlook now and I've installed BES EXPRESS on a seperate server.

Is there a quick way to import or move old users from BES (on notes) to the BES Express (outlook). without having to wipe each handheld?

I get prompted to wipe the handheld prior to activating

you have to wipe to remove the encryption keys

That blows, we have over 200 phones.

Why dont more people use BES EXPRESS

it is not an express issue as it happens on all versions of BES, you are moving between mail platforms and BES versions.

Each BES has its own encryption keys.

Is there a way I can configure my current BES to exchange? Might be easier?

No. Cross-platform migrations aren't possible.

Notes to Exchange will require a device wipe and reactivation.
Doesn't matter what version of BES you're using.

is this because I'm moving to BES EXPRESS? How about if I just move to BES.

I dont have an issue with EA (enterprise Activation) Just with wiping that many hand helds is going to be insane. 200+

No, you are switching e-mail platforms. You are going to have to wipe and reactivate.

this explains more
KB15361-How to migrate BlackBerry smartphone user accounts from an existing BlackBerry Enterprise Server to a new BlackBerry Enterprise Server on a different mail platform.