Windows Server Reviews

Name: Windows Server
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 4.0 (182 reviews)

4.0 out of 5

182 reviews
94% willing to recommend

1,357 followers

What is Windows Server?

Windows Server is primarily used by organizations for hosting applications, deploying virtual machines, managing user accounts, and supporting enterprise infrastructures. It also assists in virtualization, remote access, web servers, and integrating with cloud environments.

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Windows Server is the #4 ranked solution in top Operating Systems for Business. PeerSpot users give Windows Server an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 182 most recent Windows Server reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.2. (Among the lowest in the category). Windows Server is most commonly compared to Ubuntu Linux: Windows Server vs Ubuntu Linux. Windows Server is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 54% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 12% of all views.

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Featured reviews

Dan Campeanu

Security Engineer at ProVision

Windows Server was crucial for our business as it offered scalability, allowing us to seamlessly upgrade servers as our company expanded rapidly. It served as the backbone for all our tools and applications, providing a unified platform for our operations. Windows Server's security features have significantly improved our IT security posture. While occasional vulnerabilities arose, Microsoft promptly addressed them, providing clear instructions on mitigation. Consequently, we have had no security incidents in over 20 years, thanks to proactive measures and effective security management. Managing Windows Server in a multi-server environment used to be relatively easy, but in recent years, it has become increasingly challenging due to the removal of useful tools and Microsoft's focus on cloud services. Integrating Windows Server with Azure was initially challenging due to limited documentation and some synchronization issues, but it became smoother over time with the help of user experiences and shared knowledge. Integration with AWS for specific tasks was less problematic. I would recommend Windows Server to others. Overall, I would rate it as a nine out of ten.

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Virimai Mare

L3 Engineer at Momentum Metropolitan Holdings Limited

My main advice is to understand the business first. Then, see if the solution will work on that platform. Also, check which applications it supports. If they're using data and Microsoft, in some cases, we use applications verified by Microsoft. You can be sure they're compatible with Windows and find support from both ends. So, understand the business in terms of its goals, turnaround time, risk factors, and skill requirements. Consider if they have enough skilled people to support it, both for daily use and when issues arise. You need to know these things before making a decision. Not every time is Microsoft the right choice. Some systems or platforms they want to run may not be supported by Microsoft. So, it's crucial to understand the business requirements first; then you know which platform or solution works best for you. Overall, I would rate the solution a seven out of ten.

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Deepak Nagar

Manager, Strategic Alliances at Softcell Technologies Limited

Users can increase the hardware or virtual environment and memory, and it is scalable enough to meet the company's requirements. Everybody in the organization uses the product. The HR department uses the solution for storage purposes and the website hosting from where the internal applications are made available for use within the company. The developers in our company also developed certain applications that can be hosted on Windows Server. In general, the solution has around 500 users in my company. My company can increase the number of users of the product in the future, especially if we achieve the capability that can allow us to scale up.

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Windows Server mindshare

As of November 2024, the mindshare of Windows Server in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category stands at 9.4%, down from 9.5% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Operating Systems (OS) for Business

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 22, 2024

Valuable Features

Users identify key features of Windows Server as Active Directory, PowerShell, and Hyper-V, appreciating its ease of use and stability. Many find the platform user-friendly with a graphical interface, simplifying administration. Integration with Microsoft tools and enterprise applications is highly valued. Its scalability, security enhancements, storage management, security, and performance are major benefits. Features like Work Folder Synchronization for file access and Storage Tiering and Pinning for efficient data management are also highlighted.

"The product's initial setup phase is pretty straightforward and simple without any challenges."
"We use Active Directory and IIS to host different kinds of web apps. We have also used the FTP feature for our FTP server."
"The tool supports many applications."

Room for Improvement

Windows Server requires enhancements in performance defaults, UI, security features, integration, and pricing. Users suggest improvements in the management console and command-line interface. Simplifying setup, improving patch management, reducing updates, and enhancing cross-platform compatibility are also necessary. Licensing and technical support need attention. Increased stability, ease of use, monitoring tools, and documentation will benefit users. Addressing issues like resource usage, complex configurations, and increased automation will improve user experience.

"If Windows could make the OS part lighter, especially starting and restarting the Windows Server, which needs to be quick, then it would be great since this is an area where the tool lacks a bit."
"Active Directory should have groups and policies. It could probably provide a better overview of how Active Directory is built."
"The administration interface should be more user-friendly."

ROI

Organizations find it difficult to calculate a specific ROI from Windows Server, but report improved efficiency, less downtime, and increased commercial competitiveness. Positive returns are noted through stable system performance and support. Cost-effectiveness is maintained despite price increases. The tool supports numerous applications and simplifies processes, with users appreciating its reliability. Users highlight that the system enables their technical teams to handle vulnerabilities, adding value to their investment.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers find Windows Server licensing complex and pricey. Costs vary based on edition and licensing model, such as yearly or one-time fees. The data center edition can be notably expensive compared to competitors like Linux, which lacks licensing fees. While some benefit from enterprise agreements reducing expenses, others see high costs, especially in regions lacking price adjustments. Microsoft offers options like cloud-based subscriptions, but users often seek more affordable solutions.

"For the on-prem version, you need to go for a perpetual license. If I am planning to run ten operating systems, I will buy a pack of ten licenses, which will be cost-effective for me."
"The product was quite expensive."
"It is an expensive solution."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations use Windows Server mainly for hosting virtual machines, deploying applications like SAP, managing Active Directory for user authentication, and supporting databases such as SQL Server. Many utilize its capabilities for virtualization, remote desktop access, and DNS services. It is essential for managing business operations, application servers, and Exchange. In some cases, companies also use Windows Server for security applications and file sharing, along with deploying web services and cloud integration.

Service and Support

Microsoft support for Windows Server is generally rated as good, with many highlighting responsive and knowledgeable assistance. However, there are reports of slow responses and the need for faster problem resolution. Many find it easy to use online resources instead of calling support. Customers with enterprise agreements find service satisfactory, especially through local partners or channels, yet some express dissatisfaction with support quality and response times.

Deployment

Users found Windows Server's initial setup to be straightforward and easy, often taking 10 to 45 minutes depending on the environment. Virtual deployments were notably quicker, while physical setups rarely exceeded an hour. Organizations typically required minimal staffing for deployment, with single individuals often managing installations. Users appreciated the simplicity, especially compared to other operating systems, though some setups needed more technical expertise due to specific configurations or larger infrastructures.

Scalability

Windows Server offers scalability, with many entities successfully expanding it for thousands of users. Some find it easy to scale by adding resources like servers or increasing hardware capabilities. However, a few note complexity in administration and limited flexibility in advanced scaling, especially with cloud integrations. Ratings are generally positive, though some entities suggest improvement possibilities. Scalability performance varies depending on project needs, but most find it satisfactory for their current and future requirements.

Stability

Windows Server is consistently described as stable and reliable by users. Since version 2012, its stability has notably improved, offering fewer issues such as crashes or glitches. Although some users mention that updates could be better managed, most users express satisfaction with its robust performance and reliability. Combining positive feedback, Windows Server often receives high ratings for stability, with frequent uptimes spanning thousands of days without significant problems, cementing its reputation in the IT community.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

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Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

12%

Government

10%

Educational Organization

Financial Services Firm

University

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Healthcare Company

Retailer

Insurance Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Media Company

Hospitality Company

Non Profit

Construction Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Legal Firm

Wholesaler/Distributor

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Transportation Company

Outsourcing Company

Performing Arts

Pharma/Biotech Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Consumer Goods Company

Compare Windows Server with alternative products

Learn more about Windows Server

As a key component in enterprise environments, Windows Server supports backend applications and operating systems. It's valued for its robust virtualization capabilities through Hyper-V, enabling organizations to efficiently manage resources and reduce costs. Active Directory facilitates management of user accounts and security policies. Additionally, it excels in hosting SQL databases, file-sharing, and executing communication tasks. The system's integration with Microsoft services enhances its adaptability in cloud deployments and network management. Performance and security features contribute to a reliable platform for managing diverse business operations.

What are the key features of Windows Server?

Active Directory: Simplifies user and resource management with centralized domain control.
Hyper-V: Offers efficient virtualization for deploying and managing virtual machines.
GUI: Enhances ease of use for hosting applications and managing directories.
PowerShell: Provides automation capabilities for streamlined administration.
Work Folder Synchronization: Ensures file availability across devices for flexibility.

What benefits should organizations consider?

Integration: Seamless compatibility with Microsoft products boosts productivity.
Scalability: Supports growing business demands with flexible resource management.
Security Features: Enhances data protection and compliance ease.
Cost Efficiency: Lowers operational costs through optimized resource utilization.

Windows Server is widely adopted in industries requiring stable, secure infrastructure solutions. Enterprises leverage its capabilities for managing databases, hosting business applications, and optimizing virtualization strategies. In sectors like finance and healthcare, enhanced security features and integration with cloud environments prove essential for meeting regulatory requirements and supporting data-intensive processes.