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Senior Software Consultant at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Consultant
Simple to set up and use
Pros and Cons
  • "The feature that I have found most valuable is the Active Directory. I have had good experience with Windows Server."
  • "The Active Directory synchronization on Azure. This is something which was not easy to do. Using Azure Active Directory, I was trying to sync and this was not straightforward. This process could be more simplified."

What is our primary use case?

I just use Windows Server to install third party software, things like data integration tools and BI tools. One of the uses was to set up an on-prem Active Directory. So these kinds of things.

What is most valuable?

The feature that I have found most valuable is the Active Directory. I have had good experience with Windows Server. I haven't had any issues

What needs improvement?

In terms of what could be improved, I would say the Active Directory synchronization on Azure. This is something which was not easy to do. Using Azure Active Directory, I was trying to sync and this was not straightforward. This process could be more simplified.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Windows Server for the past eight, nine years.

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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is a stable product.

In terms of the maintenance it requires, maybe there are some regular updates. We do make some backups as well. But this is a lab environment, we don't have much sensitive information stored here.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Windows Server is easy to scale.

We have 15 people using it.

How are customer service and support?

I do have experience with Microsoft support in general, but not related to Windows Server.

In general, my experience with Microsoft support is good.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

If we are talking about Windows like Windows 11 or Windows 10 versus Mac OS? For personal use, I believe Mac is overall simpler and has a better user experience. It is a little bit more robust. I just prefer the way the application installations are done and services are managed within the Mac OS.

But for work, I cannot compare Mac OS to a Windows Server. I can compare Mac OS to Windows 10 or Windows 11.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was a simple one. It took maybe an hour.

What about the implementation team?

I did it by myself and we had a bunch of engineers as well, who were working on it.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

It is a fair price. For Microsoft overall, we have a subscription with Office. So there is also a bundle for Windows.

The price is good. It is cheaper than Mac OS. In this case, it's better in terms of price.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend Windows Server because it's just easier to use for some people than Red Hat. That's the main thing - it is easier to use and maintain versus other operating systems within the Linux space.

On a scale of one to ten, let's be generous and give Windows Server an eight.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1643577 - PeerSpot reviewer
Project Manager at a comms service provider with 51-200 employees
Reseller
Good technical support, stable, and easy to set up
Pros and Cons
  • "The initial setup is quite straightforward."
  • "The price could be a little less. It's a bit expensive."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution as a base layer for our software. Our developers decided they should create our products based on the Microsoft platform. We have to use the Windows Server as the applied model.

We have some solutions based on Linux, however, Microsoft Windows Server is the primary operating system.

How has it helped my organization?

The solution has improved our organization as we are able to sell our products with Microsoft. Without it, we can't make our business work. 

What is most valuable?

The solution is absolutely integral to our business processes. 

It's a widely used system.

The product is very stable.

The initial setup is quite straightforward. 

Technical support is very helpful.

What needs improvement?

I haven't had any experience with active data storage or high-level configuration. From my perspective, Windows Server can stay on this level without any development as it works for me how it is.

The price could be a little less. It's a bit expensive.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Maybe 10 or 15 years ago, there were some problems with stability, however, right now, we haven't needed to install any patches and we have not faced any problems. I'd describe it as quite stable at this point.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is used widely across the company. However, I cannot speak to how many servers we have at this time. 

We do plan to increase usage as we continue to grow.

How are customer service and technical support?

Microsoft technical support has been great. They are helpful and responsive. We are very happy with the level of support on offer. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is very straightforward and not overly difficult.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The pricing isn't the cheapest. For example, Linux would be a free option. People don't have to pay for it. With Microsoft, you need to pay to license it. 

What other advice do I have?

We are a customer and end-user. We are also a Microsoft reseller. 

SQL Server 10 can't work without an operating system. It needs to be installed on the machine with an operating system, so it is dependent on it. A Windows Server needs to be installed as a first step before SQL will be installed.

We primarily use on-premies or private cloud deployment models.

I'd rate the solution at an eight out of ten.

I'd recommend the solution. It's a very good platform. 

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: reseller
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Windows Server
October 2024
Learn what your peers think about Windows Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: October 2024.
816,406 professionals have used our research since 2012.
reviewer1322280 - PeerSpot reviewer
Regional Head Customer Experience at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
Real User
User-friendly, highly secure, and good performance
Pros and Cons
  • "We have many applications which require Windows Server, such as SQL Server and an application server that acts as a middle layer."
  • "Windows Server could improve by having a faster browser, IE is too slow. There are better alternatives, such as Chrome."

What is our primary use case?

We have many applications which require Windows Server, such as SQL Server and an application server that acts as a middle layer.

What is most valuable?

The solution is user-friendly, you do not need a command line technical team to operate it.

What needs improvement?

Windows Server could improve by having a faster browser, IE is too slow. There are better alternatives, such as Chrome.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for approximately four years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is highly secure and stable with many policies. We did not have any issues with the performance.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have approximately 2,000 users using the solutions.

How was the initial setup?

The installation was straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

We have a team that does the maintenance and policies for the solution.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

There is not a license required for this solution.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Windows Server an eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
David Berger - PeerSpot reviewer
System Administrator & IT Specialist at Informat Systems
Real User
Scalable and has a lot of features, but needs more stability, fewer automatic updates, and a CLI approach
Pros and Cons
  • "There are a lot of features. Active Directory is most valuable."
  • "It should have more stability and fewer automatic updates. A CLI approach, similar to Linux, is missing right now."

What is our primary use case?

We are using it mainly for Active Directory, Exchange Servers, and file services.

What is most valuable?

There are a lot of features. Active Directory is most valuable.

What needs improvement?

It should have more stability and fewer automatic updates. A CLI approach, similar to Linux, is missing right now.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution for 12 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It should have more stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I am quite satisfied with its scalability. We are an IT company, and we provide professional services to other companies, so we deploy a lot of services. Combined, we have a lot of users, but if you look at a specific company, we have between 200 to 500 employees.

How are customer service and technical support?

I am satisfied with their technical support most of the time.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

We have multiple types of licenses. Some of them are on a yearly basis, and some of them are prepaid.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate Windows Server a seven out of 10.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1488372 - PeerSpot reviewer
Associate Manager at a consultancy with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Reliable, easy to use, and simple installation
Pros and Cons
  • "The main feature of the solution is the ease of use."
  • "There should be the ability to add other databases to be installed and configured instead of going to other virtual machines. They should be better integrated so they are all in one place."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution as a server OS. Due to security reasons, we have created some virtual machines instead of on-premise deployments and we are writing SQL queries.

What is most valuable?

The main feature of the solution is the ease of use.

What needs improvement?

There should be the ability to add other databases to be installed and configured instead of going to other virtual machines. They should be better integrated so they are all in one place.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using this solution since I started my career, which is a long time ago.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is stable. We created virtual machines with huge configurations and based on our volume of data or jobs it is running it has been performing very well.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is not scalable because we are dealing with virtual machines. You just log in to the system and you can run the queries. It is not like a database, where you can integrate and process. You can only use it and let the query control the system.

We have five people using this solution in my organization.

How are customer service and technical support?

If we have an issue we write a ticket to Microsoft and they are able to help us with a solution.

How was the initial setup?

The installation is straightforward, it takes approximately 30 minutes.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

There is an annual license required for this solution.

What other advice do I have?

I rate Windows Server a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1496412 - PeerSpot reviewer
ICT Manager at a hospitality company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Stable and easy to use, but the initial setup could be simpler
Pros and Cons
  • "It is very easy to use. The system is very user-friendly."
  • "The solution is rather expensive and could be more affordable."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution on our DNS network. It's the de facto operating system in our organization.

What is most valuable?

The solution is very stable. We haven't run into any performance issues so far.

It is very easy to use. The system is very user-friendly.

The solution allows for many applications to run on it.

What needs improvement?

The initial setup could be easier. Right now, it's more difficult than it needs to be.

The solution is rather expensive and could be more affordable.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've used the product in many different places and therefore have used it for a long time by this point. It's been many years now, as far as I know.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We've found the stability of the product to be excellent over the years. It's reliable. There aren't really bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's very reliable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution can scale quite well. If you need to expand it, you can do so. It works for companies of all sizes.

We have about ten servers in our organization at this time that are Windows Servers. We have two people that manage them for us.

We will continue to use Windows unless, at some point, something else comes along that is cheaper and easier to use.

How are customer service and technical support?

I haven't really dealt with technical support much. I wouldn't be able to effectively comment on their level of service or their knowledgeability. 

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have some experience with Linux. However, I find it limiting in terms of the number of applications you can actually run on it.

How was the initial setup?

The implementation process for Windows isn't exactly straightforward. It could be easier and more efficient. It can be a bit difficult sometimes.

The initial installation typically takes two to three hours or so.

What about the implementation team?

I handled the implementation with a partner.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Of course, the solution itself is expensive. However, they are not many alternatives. There's very little choice on the market.

What other advice do I have?

We have servers that range from 2012 to 2016 to 2019. We're using both the older and the newest versions of the solution currently.

I would definitely recommend this product to other organizations. If you look at Linux, for example, it's not really a viable option as very very applications run on Linux. In the case of Windows, you don't have that shortcoming. You can run many, many applications on it, which is a good selling point. Many people who have legacy products like to use Windows.

I would rate the solution six out of ten overall.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1453767 - PeerSpot reviewer
Cloud Service Director at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Reliable and quite stable with a familiar operating system
Pros and Cons
  • "We haven't had any issues with the server whatsoever. It's been very reliable."
  • "The scalability could be improved a bit."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for the Arctic directory, SharePoint, or the Information System's company.

What is most valuable?

The operating system is the solution's most valuable aspect. Many people on the team are extremely familiar with it.

We haven't had any issues with the server whatsoever. It's been very reliable.

What needs improvement?

The patching could be better within the solution. There are many updates, however, if you compare it with other parts of Windows, the patching has a different management structure. 

The scalability could be improved a bit. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I've worked with a company that has had the solution on and off over the course of maybe ten years or so. I've worked with them over the last two months.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is quite stable. I consider it reliable. I don't have issues with bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's been good overall.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have at least 2000 uses on the solution currently in my organization. About 60 of those are software engineers and data scientists and other related positions.

I find the scalability to be pretty good. We don't have any issues in that sense. However, it could be a bit better.

We do plan to increase usage in the future.

How are customer service and technical support?

Technical support is good however, you do need to sign a contract with premier support in order to get excellent service.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

I don't deal with the pricing aspect of the solution and therefore can't really comment on how much it costs or if we are charged on a monthly or yearly basis.

What other advice do I have?

We're just customers. We don't have a business relationship with Microsoft.

We're using both the 2012 and 2016 versions of the solution right now.

Overall, I would rate the solution eight out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Computer engineering student at a educational organization with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Straightforward with good stability and an easy initial setup
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution, in general, is quite straightforward. A beginner could probably use it with ease. It's always more or less simple to understand how this works."
  • "We are finding some of the configurations inside the group policy not very straightforward. We had some difficulties, for example, just trying to figure out how to configure and how to block the usage of MP3 files, and so on."

What is our primary use case?

I primarily use the solution for college assignments.

We are using it just to learn how to configure all the options that Windows Server provides for the active directory and basically all the necessary configurations. It's for enterprise infrastructure, so to speak. We are mainly focusing on group policy and remote authentication, the main controller, and all the functionalities that a Windows server provides through the access directory.

What is most valuable?

The solution, in general, is quite straightforward. A beginner could probably use it with ease. It's always more or less simple to understand how this works.

What needs improvement?

Configuring a group policy has shown to be not very straightforward. For example, one of our assignments was to create a GPO that should block any user of opening and/or downloading an MP3/WAV file, and the same for video files. It was very confusing to find a solution that would do just that, we had to test different approches, or ven combining policies to achieve something that resambles what was asked to do. The default template in the File Server Resouce Manager isn't enough.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've only been using the solution for about two months or so. It's relatively new to me.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is quite stable. It doesn't have bugs or glitches, nor does it crash. It's reliable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable. A company shouldn't have any troubles expanding it if they need to.

There may be 50 or 60 users on the solution currently. They're all students.

I'm not sure if I will continue using the solution of expanding usage in the future.

How are customer service and technical support?

We've never really reached out to technical support. Typically, we'll look to the internet to search for answers. We'll google and find what we need.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I didn't previously use a different solution.

How was the initial setup?

The solution is not too complex. It's quite simple to install the components, and not very difficult to configure for the most part. We're just to start using it, and it's not so complex so far. Still, it has a learning curve. You have to get to know some basic concepts before you can really understand what you're configuring. Otherwise, you get a little bit lost.

The installation itself only takes about ten minutes or so. It's rather quick. You don't really need to deploy it, per se, as it's on a virtual machine. It's not a professional environment. Of course, it would probably take longer if you have to configure all of the necessary requirements for professional applications.

What about the implementation team?

My colleagues and I handled the installation as a group.

What other advice do I have?

I'm not really a customer. I'm just a student learning the ins and outs of the product itself.

We are using in virtual machines the Windows Server 2019.

I'd recommend this solution. It's quite complete. For a company that wants all the necessary components to administer their infrastructure and so forth, it's quite good.

Overall, I would rate the solution eight out of ten. If they offered better documentation that wasn't as dated I might rate it higher.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Windows Server Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: October 2024
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Windows Server Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.