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SUSE Linux Enterprise vs Windows Server comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 7, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

SUSE Linux Enterprise
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
7th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
32
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Windows Server
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
4th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.0
Number of Reviews
188
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of SUSE Linux Enterprise is 7.2%, down from 8.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Windows Server is 9.0%, up from 8.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Operating Systems (OS) for Business
 

Featured Reviews

Dominique Locksley - PeerSpot reviewer
Has good kernel modules and upgrades
I like how the tool handles kernel modules and upgrades - we rarely have issues after upgrades, unlike with other Linux distributions like Oracle Linux or Ubuntu. The kernel module management is excellent. Changes made in one version typically work the same in other versions too, which isn't always the case with other distributions. There's also lots of information and community support available if you run into any problems, both on the official website and in forums and user groups. I know many people who use it specifically, so it's easy to get independent support if needed. I've been working with the tool for a long time, since 2003, before they became SUSE Linux Enterprise. It's always been one of the most admin-friendly Linux versions.
NirajSingh - PeerSpot reviewer
User-friendly platform streamlining client connectivity
We are using Windows Server to connect our client software. We use it to access client systems and work on SQL databases Rather than purchasing and setting up infrastructure, we are using Windows Server, which obviously saves some costs. Windows Server is fulfilling our daily work-life purposes.…

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"The return on investment has been significant, especially considering its cost-effectiveness compared to other solutions."
"The initial setup is simple and takes five minutes for deployment and if you have automation in place, it will take four minutes."
"I have not experienced any issues with this operating system."
"SUSE Linux's most valuable feature is the documentation - there is a lot of documentation about how to create custom servers."
"I like how the tool handles kernel modules and upgrades - we rarely have issues after upgrades, unlike with other Linux distributions like Oracle Linux or Ubuntu. The kernel module management is excellent. Changes made in one version typically work the same in other versions too, which isn't always the case with other distributions. There's also lots of information and community support available if you run into any problems, both on the official website and in forums and user groups. I know many people who use it specifically, so it's easy to get independent support if needed. I've been working with the tool for a long time, since 2003, before they became SUSE Linux Enterprise. It's always been one of the most admin-friendly Linux versions."
"The most valuable feature of the solution is the installation part...We don't face any issues related to the operating system or application."
"The solution offers a secure operation system."
"Linux is easy to use. You have more control on a Unix system."
"The only thing that is extremely valuable about the solution is that most applications run on it. That's where it brings the value in as we have the server to run our applications."
"We observe cost savings through virtualization and the use of Microsoft Cloud, which decreases running costs."
"Every time they perform a new release, the solution gets better and better."
"The solution is easy to use. We are satisfied with its performance."
"It is very easy to use. The system is very user-friendly."
"Windows Server offers good operational benefits."
"Windows engineers are more affordable than Linux or Unix engineers, so that's another advantage. So, the management costs are much lower for the Windows Server."
"Microsoft is a trusted brand and I enjoy working with it."
 

Cons

"The solution could be more stable."
"I have not been overly impressed with their technical support."
"I have not seen an ROI with this solution."
"In the next release it would be nice to see more integration and better automation of processses."
"I would like to see better functionality for interacting with cloud-based systems."
"I would like to see GUI improved, it could be more user-friendly."
"The interface could improve."
"SUSE Linux could provide more information about cost and the details of how clustering works."
"The security needs to be improved."
"Windows Server needs to improve stability and pricing."
"The performance from time to time can be a bit suspect."
"The solution needs to be more stable and secure."
"The solution could improve by being more user-friendly."
"It should have more stability and fewer automatic updates. A CLI approach, similar to Linux, is missing right now."
"Sometimes the PowerShell has an overly complicated syntax."
"The security should be improved."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"I would advise others to download the free or strictly open source versions, then test them in their environment before committing to a purchase. This will allow for testing suitability for applications that they want to run."
"I have to pay for a license in order to get support."
"The price of SUSE Linux Enterprise could be cheaper. Other solutions, such as"
"I rate the product price an eight on a scale of one to ten, where one is a low price, and ten is a high price."
"The price is reasonable."
"As far as licensing goes, there is nothing unusual here. The price and model have worked fine for my organization."
"Regarding pricing, everybody would want it to be cheaper."
"The platform is affordable."
"The product was quite expensive."
"It could be cheaper."
"We pay for the license every month."
"There could be a one-time cost for Windows Server and not every month. It is a huge amount for the companies to pay yearly."
"Microsoft is relatively inexpensive compared to other database platforms."
"We had to purchase the solution and also the licenses to go on each computer system."
"We are with Microsoft's Cloud Solution Provider Program and we pay for a monthly license for this use of this solution and we support our customer subscriptions. The overall price of the solution is good."
"The tool's licensing costs are yearly."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
15%
Manufacturing Company
12%
Government
8%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Computer Software Company
13%
Government
9%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Educational Organization
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about SUSE Linux Enterprise?
The initial setup is simple and takes five minutes for deployment and if you have automation in place, it will take four minutes.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for SUSE Linux Enterprise?
I used the open-source version, so there were no setup costs.
What needs improvement with SUSE Linux Enterprise?
The software management side was a bit difficult, especially compared to Ubuntu. The software manager was different, making it challenging to install certain applications. Additionally, I encounter...
What needs improvement with Windows Server?
I think there is room for improvement in the stability of older versions. Additionally, Windows Server could be more power-efficient, especially for individuals doing labs or studies on personal co...
What is your primary use case for Windows Server?
Windows Server ( /products/windows-server-reviews ) is the operating system we run on our servers. We use it in the IT department, primarily as the OS for our servers.
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Air India, Akademicki Szpital Kliniczny (ASK), Allone, Altran, Apollo, ARCHIVA, Asia Innovatory Management School, ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GmbH, AutoData Norge AS, Baldor Electric, Business Connexion, CASIO, Ciclum Farma, Delta Lloyd, Edumate , HPE,  SAP SE,  Lenovo, BMW, T-Systems, UCX, Turners & Growers, Shenzhen Development Bank, Bosch Group, JK Tyres & Industries, IOCL, European Space Agency, Daimler AG, China Minsheng Banking Corp, Café Coffee Day, Unisys,  Petrochina Company Ltd, Fitch Ratings, ABeam Consulting Co Ltd, Tyro Payments, Rackspace, Pacific Textiles, ...
Rakuten, Rackspace, Tyco
Find out what your peers are saying about SUSE Linux Enterprise vs. Windows Server and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
849,190 professionals have used our research since 2012.