Try our new research platform with insights from 80,000+ expert users

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
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
6.5
Number of Reviews
185
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 initial setup for most modern Linux distributions is normally straightforward. Most of the common distributions use an ncurses or GUI install."
"The initial setup is simple and takes five minutes for deployment and if you have automation in place, it will take four minutes."
"SUSE Linux Enterprise is stable."
"The tool’s idempotency ensures all configurations are in place at all times."
"The return on investment has been significant, especially considering its cost-effectiveness compared to other solutions."
"SUSE Linux's most valuable feature is the documentation - there is a lot of documentation about how to create custom servers."
"The operating system is efficient in terms of security."
"The most valuable feature is that there is an inbuilt HANA firewall."
"The solution is easy to learn. It doesn't take much training."
"The feature that I have found most valuable is the Active Directory. I have had good experience with Windows Server."
"The stability of the Windows Server is good."
"The solution is very easy to configure."
"Since Windows Server has a graphical user interface (GUI), it is easy to use and implement the services that we are using."
"The features that I have found most valuable are its ease of use and the compatibility with most other products."
"The solution is straightforward to install and took approximately 30 minutes."
"The main feature of the solution is it has a graphical interface."
 

Cons

"The software management side was a bit difficult, especially compared to Ubuntu."
"The interface could improve."
"I would like to see GUI improved, it could be more user-friendly."
"The platform doesn't support certain APMs."
"They should provide chatbot support for customers to open the troubleshooting cases directly."
"I have not been overly impressed with their technical support."
"When working in a Department of Defense environment, Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) have to be followed. SLES is not really addressed directly here. It did make following security policy difficult."
"We have had trouble integrating Autodesk with the SUSE manager."
"The solution could improve by increasing security."
"I think there is room for improvement in the stability of older versions."
"One area that needs improvement is the management console."
"The performance from time to time can be a bit suspect."
"Security and vulnerabilities could improve."
"The only thing that could be improved is the price."
"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."
"Better integration with more platforms would be useful."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The price of SUSE Linux Enterprise could be cheaper. Other solutions, such as"
"The product's licensing options align well with the evolving landscape of Linux variants."
"I have to pay for a license in order to get support."
"The license we pay is for Oracle. We make use of the community edition."
"The platform is affordable."
"Regarding pricing, everybody would want it to be cheaper."
"The price is reasonable."
"The product is expensive. We purchase its yearly license."
"We pay these on an annual basis."
"Windows Server needs to be more flexible with the minimum requirements with the license and options. We are on an annual subscription to use the solution."
"The license model needs improvement."
"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."
"There is a license to use this solution and the price is reasonable."
"There is a license needed for this solution."
"We pay yearly for a license. If you ask any vendor they will tell you that it could be cheaper."
"Licensing fees are paid on a yearly basis."
report
Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Operating Systems (OS) for Business solutions are best for your needs.
845,040 professionals have used our research since 2012.
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
15%
Manufacturing Company
12%
Government
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Computer Software Company
13%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Government
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: March 2025.
845,040 professionals have used our research since 2012.