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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 technical support services are good."
"It is very easy to maintain, migrate and upgrade."
"The main feature is that Linux is flexible to work with for most web-based applications."
"The product's initial setup phase was easy."
"The initial setup is simple and takes five minutes for deployment and if you have automation in place, it will take four minutes."
"It's easy to set up."
"The initial setup for most modern Linux distributions is normally straightforward. Most of the common distributions use an ncurses or GUI install."
"Out-of-the-box SLES supported all of our HBAs and hardware specific components."
"We have many applications which require Windows Server, such as SQL Server and an application server that acts as a middle layer."
"The main features that we are using are active directory, domain, and DNS."
"Windows Server is running well, the performance is good, there are no issues and it is stable."
"It is very useful, and it is easy to use."
"The solution is stable."
"Windows Server is a stable and scalable solution."
"We haven't had any issues with the server whatsoever. It's been very reliable."
"This is a stable product and we plan to continue using it in the future."
 

Cons

"Additionally, error handling needs improvement. The system should be more transparent when there's an error, rather than just declaring a generic error. It would be helpful if it could provide more specific information about the problem on that particular system. As it stands, you can waste a lot of time trying to troubleshoot these vague errors."
"They should probably just make clustering a bit simpler and also provide more descriptive log files for cluster services."
"I have not been overly impressed with their technical support."
"The quality of support offered by SUSE Linux Enterprise is not that great, making it an area where improvements are required."
"In the next release it would be nice to see more integration and better automation of processses."
"The price of SUSE Linux Enterprise could improve, it is too expensive."
"I have not seen an ROI with this solution."
"We previously had trouble integrating Autodesk with the SUSE Manager, but the issue was resolved."
"I have found the stability to be good but it could improve."
"It would help if Microsoft made it lighter to run on the servers and made troubleshooting much easier."
"The on premises to cloud migration should be easier."
"It can have more integration with different platforms."
"We've had a few minor compatibility issues."
"It is not easy to use. It can be more user-friendly to make our routine work a bit easy. It could also be cheaper."
"The security should be improved."
"The solution could be more secure."
 

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."
"The product's licensing options align well with the evolving landscape of Linux variants."
"As far as licensing goes, there is nothing unusual here. The price and model have worked fine for my organization."
"The platform is affordable."
"SUSE Linux Enterprise is reasonably priced compared to other operating systems. I find it's a much better option for us than Oracle, for example, because of the pricing structure. The pricing is easier to explain to clients and makes it easier to get clients' commitment. The licensing is also simpler to manage and keep track of. Their responsiveness is great - they give feedback very quickly when we ask questions about licensing or other aspects. This helps ensure we're always at the gold standard regarding licensing and everything related to SUSE Linux Enterprise."
"I have to pay for a license in order to get support."
"When we first implemented this product, we had licenses for support."
"The license we pay is for Oracle. We make use of the community edition."
"We have perpetual licenses."
"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 price of the solution could be reduced and there is a license required."
"Our customers had a bundle package with Microsoft that included Windows Server."
"There is a one-time purchase for the license of Windows Server."
"I rate the product's pricing an eight out of ten."
"If I look into the tasks my company does with the product, I would say that the tool is not that expensive."
"The Windows Server standard edition is affordable."
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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.
848,716 professionals have used our research since 2012.