Windows Server Reviews

Name: Windows Server
Brand: Microsoft
Rating: 4.0 (184 reviews)

4.0 out of 5

184 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 184 most recent Windows Server reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 6.5. (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 27, 2024

Valuable Features

Windows Server's most valuable features include its user-friendly interface, ease of use, and stability. Organizations appreciate its capability for seamless Active Directory integration, powerful performance, and flexible scalability. This platform supports various applications and offers efficient security functions, making it suitable for both small and large enterprises. Users benefit from features like Work Folder Synchronization, Hyper-V, PowerShell, and robust support for Microsoft products, facilitating smooth deployment and management of enterprise applications.

"Windows Server offers good operational benefits."
"Windows Server is fulfilling our daily work-life purposes."
"We use it to connect to client systems and are happy with the performance and its features."

Room for Improvement

Windows Server could benefit from improved security, performance, and integration with other platforms. Users express concerns about high pricing, complex initial setup, and the need for better management tools. The interface lacks user-friendliness, with some features being outdated. Frequent updates can disrupt productivity. Stability, compatibility, and technical support also require attention. Enhancements in virtualization, ease of scalability, and reduced resource consumption would be advantageous.

"The customer support team is not satisfactory. Their expertise has diminished. I rate them two out of ten."
"Sometimes the performance goes down, which might be due to the stability zone or network issues."
"Sometimes the performance goes down, which might be due to the stability zone or network issues. It can also depend on our network."

ROI

Windows Server improves efficiency and reduces downtime, though exact ROI figures are difficult to quantify. Users report positive returns and value, noting smooth system operation and comprehensive support. Its competitive and cost-effective nature makes it appealing, despite lacking direct cost-savings. It supports numerous applications, enhancing commercial and technical competitiveness. Customers benefit from stability and effective handling of vulnerabilities, enjoying good value despite price increases.

Pricing

Windows Server pricing involves complex licensing models that can be expensive for enterprise users. Licensing fees are often annual and can vary, with additional costs tied to factors like support and usage type. Users report lower costs with corporate deals or educational discounts, but still find it costly compared to alternatives like Linux. The solution's pricing is seen as high, particularly for data center editions, and many suggest simplifying or reducing costs to enhance competitiveness.

"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 primarily use Windows Server for applications, virtualization, data management, and user authentication. It supports environments like Hyper-V, Active Directory, SQL Server, and remote access. Entities host business-critical applications, engage in data analytics, and perform infrastructure management. Windows Server is integral for file sharing, security, web hosting, and facilitating communication tools. It helps achieve seamless integration with Microsoft platforms and assists in managing networks through Active Directory and DNS services.

Service and Support

Windows Server's technical support is generally responsive and helpful, but experiences vary. Some find Microsoft’s service fast and efficient, while others encounter delays and require outside resources or forums. Many rely on internal expertise, with rare direct contact needed. Customers have noted differences in response times and effectiveness, sometimes needing more knowledgeable support. There are compliments for specific regions like Shanghai and Dubai, yet others find room for improvement, rating support from three to nine out of ten.

Deployment

Initial setup of Windows Server is generally straightforward, often requiring minimal technical expertise. Most setups complete quickly, often under an hour, with a small team or even one person handling deployment. Some users report occasional complexities, especially with specific configurations, but ease is common compared to other systems. Virtual environments further expedite the process. Training and familiarization impact deployment time, but many organizations find it manageable with available resources.

Scalability

Windows Server is considered highly scalable, suitable for companies of various sizes. Many organizations report no issues when scaling, with some handling thousands of users effectively. Some users note that scalability could be improved, particularly in complex environments, but most find it meets their needs. Scalability can be enhanced by adding more servers or resources like RAM and CPU, making it adaptable to increasing demands. Organizations frequently plan to increase usage, indicating confidence in its scalability.

Stability

Windows Server is highly stable, with users reporting minimal bugs, crashes, or glitches. Stability has improved over time, especially since the 2012 version. Some experience issues with updates but find the system mostly reliable. Stability ratings range from eight to ten out of ten, reflecting increased stability and performance in recent versions. Most appreciate its resilience during security threats and its robust performance in production environments. Stability varies based on specific configurations and applications.

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

10%

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

Outsourcing Company

Transportation 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.