We do software services, and most of the time we use this for UAT and testing purposes.
CEO at TMentors
Great support and good availability of resources but the Windows Server Core needs to link to a console
Pros and Cons
- "The support that Microsoft provides for this is very good."
- "For countries in the Middle East and Africa, their pricing is a little bit high."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The availability of resources that are aware of Windows is great. It's more than any operating system.
The support that Microsoft provides for this is very good. If you have an issue with the Windows Server, you'll get a lot of support from Microsoft.
The integration is great.
The interface and dashboards are fine.
What needs improvement?
While I would say scripting needs improvement, I've noticed that they started to do this couple of years ago. They do have their own WSL and PowerShell Scripts.
Generally, there is always room for improvement. However, nothing comes on top of my head right now.
For countries in the Middle East and Africa, their pricing is a little bit high. Microsoft is having unified pricing across the globe. That's an issue. They don't negotiate on that. It's very expensive for many countries in this region.
They have something called Windows Server Core, and it doesn't have a graphical user interface, which is fine. However, there should be a management console or something that you can hook up to Windows Server Core so you can manage it much easier if you need UI or something.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have used the solution since the beginning of the company, about 12 years at this point.
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How are customer service and support?
Technical support is great. If a company needs assistance, Microsoft is great at helping assist in troubleshooting. We are satisfied with the level of support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We use Windows and Azure, Google Cloud GCP, and many flavors of Linux. For the database, we also use SQL Server and MySQL.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is high in certain regions as they don't price adjust for certain countries. They also do not negotiate their pricing. The cost is the cost.
What other advice do I have?
We use various deployment models, including on-premises, on the cloud, and hybrid.
I'd rate the solution at a seven out of ten. If the pricing was more flexible, it would be better for the customer.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
An easy-to-use solution that can be used to host virtual machines
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of Windows Server is that it is intuitive and easy to use."
- "The Windows server image was quite large and took some time to be installed."
What is our primary use case?
We used Windows Server to host a couple of virtual machines.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of Windows Server is that it is intuitive and easy to use.
What needs improvement?
The solution’s stability could be improved. The Windows server image was quite large and took some time to be installed.
For how long have I used the solution?
We used Windows Server for a few months for demonstration purposes.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Windows Server is a stable solution, and I had no issues with its stability.
I rate Windows Server a nine out of ten for stability.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Around 160 users are using Windows Server in our organization.
How was the initial setup?
The solution’s initial setup is straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented the solution through an in-house team in two hours. To deploy the solution, we installed the Windows server image on the server.
What other advice do I have?
Three technical staff members are involved in the deployment and maintenance of the solution. I would recommend Windows Server to other users.
Overall, I rate Windows Server a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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October 2024
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General Manager at TT Systems LLC
Easy to install and adapt product with efficient GUI
Pros and Cons
- "The product is easy to use and adapt. It is known for GUI."
- "They could provide a lot of patches for the platform."
What is our primary use case?
We use Windows Server to manage Active Directory.
What is most valuable?
The product is easy to use and adapt. It is known for GUI.
What needs improvement?
They could provide a lot of patches for the platform.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Windows Server for 10 to 12 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
I need to ensure patches are updated on time. I rate its stability an eight out of ten. It could be improved.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have 400 Windows Server users in our organization. I rate its scalability a ten out of ten.
How was the initial setup?
It is an easy-to-install product. It requires two engineers to manage the infrastructure and takes three to four hours to complete.
What about the implementation team?
We take help from third-party integrators, consultants, and resellers for implementing the product.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We have purchased Windows Server’s yearly license. I rate its pricing a four out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
I advise others to ensure updating patches regularly for Windows Server. It is a flexible product. I rate it 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.
Sr. System and Storage Administrator at a government with 51-200 employees
Easy to use, simple to set up, and offers good stability
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is easy to learn. It doesn't take much training."
- "The system needs to offer better integration capabilities."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for our different applications.
What is most valuable?
We appreciate how many different applications can be on the server at any given time.
The solution is easy to learn. It doesn't take much training.
The implementation is simple.
The graphic interface is very nice.
What needs improvement?
The technical updates need to be improved upon. How they are delivered isn't ideal.
Technical support in and of itself needs to be better. The experience we have isn't very good. It's hard to get timely answers to our questions.
The system needs to offer better integration capabilities.
The solution's availability could be better in future releases.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've subscribed to Windows for many years now. It's been at least over two, but probably longer.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable. We don't have problems with reliability. It doesn't crash or freeze at all. We don't experience bugs either.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution can scale. If a company needs to expand, they can do so.
Currently, our organization has 3,000 users.
We may not continue with Windows. We're moving towards graduating to Linux instead.
How are customer service and technical support?
I've dealt with technical support in the past and I can say that we are not satisfied with their level of service. They are slow to respond. They need to act faster to get us the help we need.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have always used some form of Windows products before we began implementing Windows Server. We originally decided to implement the server as we felt it was simple and easy to use. It also had a good graphic interface.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was pretty straightforward. I wouldn't describe it as complex. It was rather simple. In terms of people getting trained on the system, it shouldn't take up too much time so a company can get up and running quickly. That said, the time it takes to deploy is directly linked to the training. However long it takes to get your team comfortable with it, that's how long it will take to deploy.
We had an IT staff of around ten people that assisted with the implementation. We also has a team that handles any maintenance as necessary.
What about the implementation team?
As the implementation process was pretty straightforward, we handled it internally ourselves. We didn't need an external consultant or integrator to help us.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We've looked into Linux. We may move over to that in the future.
What other advice do I have?
We're just a Windows customer. We don't have a business relationship with the company.
We're using the latest version of the solution.
I'd recommend the solution to other companies.
Overall, from one to ten, I'd rate this product at a nine.
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.
Offers flexibility and easy deployment
Pros and Cons
- "I find Windows Server valuable for its flexibility and user-friendly interface."
- "In terms of improvement, performance could be enhanced."
What is our primary use case?
We use Windows Servers to manage user logins through Active Directory and facilitate VPN connections, supporting our researchers who are architecturally building on DSP DNS for enhanced security and access control.
What is most valuable?
I find Windows Server valuable for its flexibility and user-friendly interface.
What needs improvement?
In terms of improvement, performance could be enhanced.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Windows Server for 13 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Windows Server is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have not had any issues with the scalability of Windows Server.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
In large-scale environments with numerous simultaneous logins, Windows Server may not match the performance power of Linux. Linux tends to excel in handling extensive user loads, while Windows Server remains user-friendly for various tasks.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is quite straightforward and the deployment only takes about 30 minutes.
What about the implementation team?
We handled the deployment in-house without the need for a consultant or integrator. We manage it ourselves, and our subscription with Microsoft includes support, so whenever we have questions or issues, we contact Microsoft, and they assist us.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend Windows Server to others but the choice depends on the specific technology and applications you plan to use. It is essential to consider compatibility and performance factors, as some applications may work better or be recommended for installation on Linux. Overall, I would rate Windows Server as an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Sr. Network Administrator at ACMC
Good integration and easy to use
Pros and Cons
- "One of the most valuable features of Windows Server is that it is easy to use. Also, with Windows, everything is integrated."
- "Windows Server could be improved with cheaper licensing costs."
What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case of Windows Server is running our business applications, such as ERP.
This solution is deployed on-premises.
What is most valuable?
One of the most valuable features of Windows Server is that it is easy to use. Also, with Windows, everything is integrated.
What needs improvement?
Windows Server could be improved with cheaper licensing costs.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using Windows Server for more than 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Windows Server is stable, and we have had no problems.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of this solution seems good.
We have more than 150 people in our organization using this solution. We don't currently have plans to increase our usage.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before implementing Windows Server, we used Oracle Linux. We switched to Windows Server because, when we upgraded, the integration was good with the FieldServer.
How was the initial setup?
For installation, 2016 took even less time than 2012. '16 takes maybe fifteen to twenty minutes, maximum. I can handle the installation myself.
For deployment and maintenance, we have a team of one or two people.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented this solution through an in-house team.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
To use Windows Server, we pay for licensing yearly. The licensing cost should be cheaper—it is expensive and should not cost that much.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Windows Server a ten out of ten. I would recommend Windows Server to others, but it depends on their requirements. We can meet our requirements with Windows because we have a Microsoft ERP. It has good performance with the Windows Server, which is why we use this solution.
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.
Cyber security manager at Apparel
Quick and easy installation with good troubleshooting abilities
Pros and Cons
- "The features that I have found most valuable are that it is quick with an easy installation and has good troubleshooting compared to Linux or any other operating system."
- "I would like to see better updates and for it to support other applications"
What is our primary use case?
Windows Server is deployed both on-premises and on cloud.
What is most valuable?
The features that I have found most valuable are that it is quick with an easy installation and has good troubleshooting compared to Linux or any other operating system.
They provide updates and patches in a timely manner.
What needs improvement?
I would like to see better updates and for it to support other applications
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Windows Server since the inception of the company.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Windows Server is stable. It is just that the updates and other things do sometimes break. The updates are fast so maybe everything is my issue with the legacy applications.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Windows Server is scalable. We have around 300 to 500 users on it.
How are customer service and technical support?
Customer support is okay, but I believe it would be much better if they supported other applications. The challenge with them is they will say that you have installed some applications that they cannot support. So the blame game is there in that case and it is not a Microsoft issue or an application specific issue. So we have to fiddle around with that.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy. It took 10 to 15 minutes.
We had a technical team of around 10 people for the deployment and maintenance.
What about the implementation team?
You can do it by yourself or with the help of the consultant or integrator, it depends on the configuration you need.
What other advice do I have?
On a scale of one to ten, I would give Windows Server an eight.
My advice to anyone considering Windows Server is, if they don't have any other choice then they can use it. If they have a choice then they should go for an alternate solution because in the longer run they can save a lot of money in licensing.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Founder at a non-profit with 1-10 employees
Integrates well with application, stable, and PowerShell only installation beneficial
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature is this solution integrates very well with all Microsoft and all other mainstream software solutions and the design is very good. Windows has an option now allowing you to just install the Windows Core with the PowerShell without any graphical services running."
- "I used to like the graphical interface and graphical philosophy in previous versions of Windows Server. I am not able to be as fast and efficient as I used to be using a graphical interface. However, Windows has moved to the PowerShell, it is powerful, but is still limited compared to what we do can do in Linux. Linux was built at the beginning of the command line interfaces which is why they have a very powerful command line."
What is our primary use case?
We are using this solution as a server operating system.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is this solution integrates very well with all Microsoft and all other mainstream software solutions and the design is very good. Windows has an option now allowing you to just install the Windows Core with the PowerShell without any graphical services running.
What needs improvement?
I used to like the graphical interface and graphical philosophy in previous versions of Windows Server. I am not able to be as fast and efficient as I used to be using a graphical interface. However, Windows has moved to the PowerShell, it is powerful, but is still limited compared to what we do can do in Linux. Linux was built at the beginning of the command line interfaces which is why they have a very powerful command line.
When you work on the command line you can make scripts and then use them every time you want to complete a task. You can capitalize on past experiences by using a script to simplify them, such as when you need to install something or do configurations. Making those tasks faster and simplified. You end up saving a lot of time by using the command line which is best for administrators and the graphical interface is best for the end-user.
You can not do most of the automation on Windows that you can on Linux, it is not the same thing. Windows is improving but it is not at the same level as Linux.
When using a graphical interface it tends to have more bugs, vulnerabilities and weakens the server. Normally we install Linux on big servers that do not have any graphical interfaces inside. The fewer services you run the better it with be for security. We prefer most of the time installing Windows without the graphical interface.
Overall Windows for us is more difficult and less efficient than Linux.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Windows Server for approximately 25 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable. However, when you start putting in some extra layers, such as data intelligence inside, then problems tend to start happening.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have been using Microsoft Windows Server solutions for a long time. We started with Windows NT then switched to Windows Server 2000, Windows Server 2003, and all the way up to this current version. Additionally, we work with Linux and Windows 10.
How was the initial setup?
It is easy to do some types of deployments with Windows dedicated networks.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We have evaluated Linux and other Windows systems.
What other advice do I have?
I recently started using my Windows 10 with the Linux Subsystem for Windows, to install and administer all my Linux servers worldwide. I can run a DBM on the Linux Subsystem for Windows, Ubuntu, or Kali Linux, and can access my servers worldwide. Having Linux Subsystem running inside Windows 10, I have been enjoying using the operating system much more.
I cannot install a virtual machine inside the Subsystems which I do very easily on any Linux distribution. Additionally, after installing a virtual machine on Linux, the virtual machine will be more powerful than the Linux Subsystem for Windows. If Microsoft was able to achieve the same level of a virtual machine, then it will be very good for us to start doing many more operations inside of Windows.
I rate Windows Server a nine out of ten.
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: Partner
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