We primarily use the solution for the Arctic directory, SharePoint, or the Information System's company.
Cloud Service Director at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees
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?
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.
Buyer's Guide
Windows Server
February 2025
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Learn what your peers think about Windows Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2025.
838,713 professionals have used our research since 2012.
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 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.
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SA at a university with 1,001-5,000 employees
Enables you to use as a NFS file sharing space and has GUI
Pros and Cons
- "From the very beginning, I have been using a Windows-based OS so for me, it's very easy because it's GUI compared to command line or something Linux-based."
- "The only thing that could be improved is the price."
- "The license is a one-time purchase. The cost could be less expensive. We have education pricing, so it's okay now because we pay less than other agencies."
What is our primary use case?
Currently, we are trying to use the solution as the host for a specific system. Another use case is as NFS files sharing space.
The solution is deployed on-premise.
What is most valuable?
From the very beginning, I have been using a Windows-based OS so for me, it's very easy because it's GUI compared to command line or something Linux-based. I prefer GUI, so Windows is very good for me.
What needs improvement?
The only thing that could be improved is the price.
I just installed the evaluation because I got the license product key, so I need to activate it. But to my surprise, I cannot activate the evaluation version so I need to recreate the VMs using the ISO that Microsoft gives to me.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for around two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We haven't had any issues with stability. We have about eight people using the solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
I haven't had any issues with the scalability because I'm using virtualization.
How are customer service and support?
When I wanted to activate the Windows Server using the product key that I have just purchased, I used Microsoft support in Malaysia. They wanted me to forward the problem to the Microsoft support machine. It's very fast and they will respond even at night.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I haven't used any other solutions because my IT career began with using Windows.
How was the initial setup?
The solution was easy to install. It didn't take longer than 10 minutes. We have two engineers for maintenance.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The license is a one-time purchase. The cost could be less expensive. We have education pricing, so it's okay now because we pay less than other agencies.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution 9 out of 10. I recommend 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.
Buyer's Guide
Windows Server
February 2025
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Learn what your peers think about Windows Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: February 2025.
838,713 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Lead DevOps Engineer at Etisalat
Satisfied with performance and stability
Pros and Cons
- "A valuable feature of Windows Server has been the performance. We have done all the redundancy and fault tolerance things to protect our servers and, so far, so good."
- "As for additional features, we are very interested in the new feature released by Windows: Azure Virtual Desktop. We are currently exploring it so that instead of people depending on their own desktop, we could work on Azure Virtual Desktop. Integration with Azure Virtual Desktop would be cool."
What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case of Windows Server is application support. We have applications such as SAP-based or web-based solutions that we use through Citrix-based solutions. We deploy it on Azure.
What is most valuable?
A valuable feature of Windows Server has been the performance. We have done all the redundancy and fault tolerance things to protect our servers and, so far, so good.
What needs improvement?
As for additional features, we are very interested in the new feature released by Windows: Azure Virtual Desktop. We are currently exploring it so that instead of people depending on their own desktop, we could work on Azure Virtual Desktop. Integration with Azure Virtual Desktop would be cool.
For how long have I used the solution?
We recently began using Windows Server.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This solution is stable and we're satisfied with the performance.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We enabled scalability, but haven't scaled it much. We have a limited set of users, so the scalability feature is not really in use.
There are many end users, but there are less than 10 people managing this solution. We don't currently have plans to increase our usage because we are happy with the current capacity. We may decide to increase our usage later, but it depends on the solution and new requirements.
How are customer service and support?
We have contacted Microsoft's technical support. We used to have weekly and monthly meetings with them, so we got up-to-date directly from Microsoft support, which were were happy with.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We didn't use a different solution previously. We went directly for Microsoft because the solution is only supported by Microsoft, so we've never tried any other operating system.
How was the initial setup?
The installation was easy. We didn't do it directly because we have an Infrastructure as Code setup, with Terraform, so we were able to do it very easily. As for the time frame, if you go for a manual process, it will take five or ten minutes, but using code, you can deploy the solutions in less than a minute. We managed it ourselves, without any support.
What about the implementation team?
We implemented this solution through an in-house team.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I'm not involved much in the payment part, but I believe that we pay a yearly subscription for licensing.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Windows Server an eight out of ten. I would recommend it to others who are considering implementation.
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?
Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Project Manager at a comms service provider with 51-200 employees
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
Head of Technical Support at a real estate/law firm with 51-200 employees
Reliable with good online documentation and a pretty easy setup
Pros and Cons
- "The initial setup is not overly difficult."
- "The security needs to be improved."
What is our primary use case?
Mostly we use the product for file sharing, and then for database applications. That's about it. We're not running cloud services and other things.
What is most valuable?
We're required to support it, however, for the most part, it works well and is reliable.
Technical support is helpful. There's a lot of documentation and helpful information online as well.
The initial setup is not overly difficult.
What needs improvement?
The security needs to be improved. That's its weakest area. It's my understanding that they cannot do anything about it at this stage. We have to wait when they are able to, more or less, integrate with Ubuntu, or with Canonical. Then, we will have a server that is quite stable in terms of security. Maybe in five years or six years, then you could see a Window Server which is going to be very impressive.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution likely for 20 years. It's been two decades. I've used it for a while at this point.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is reliable and the performance is good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have lots of users, especially those running Oracle. We have close to about 200 users for Oracle that are connected to Windows Server.
How are customer service and technical support?
We don't have any issues when it comes to Microsoft and technical support. Most of the time it is straightforward. Right now, you can go to the internet, and there are many people who post helpful information for Microsoft products. In the same way for a Linux operating system, we have a lot of users that are posting tutorials for you to be able to learn. It's not something which is very, very hard. It's quite easy already.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I also use Unbuntu and find them comparable. It's like to be able to integrate them together.
How was the initial setup?
The initial installation is pretty straightforward. I wouldn't describe it as complex.
We have about 30 staff members that are able to handle deployment and maintenance.
Per installation, the deployment time, including the updates, is maybe about three or four hours.
What about the implementation team?
We do have assistance when I'm using an HP serve. They have a way of making the installation much easier.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We do have to pay a licensing fee in order to use the servers.
We've got open licenses for the Windows Server OS, as well as the SQL Server database, and then we have to pay for the device CALs, client access license.
What other advice do I have?
In terms of versions, right now, we're hooked on OS. We have 2012, and I have 2016. I'm interested in 2019 as well.
I'd rate the solution at an eight out of ten.
I'd recommend the solution to others for business use cases.
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.
System Administrator at Finlays
Reliable, commonly known and used, and scalable
Pros and Cons
- "Windows Server is most commonly used and practiced."
- "Often, we get updates that affect productivity."
What is our primary use case?
We upgraded to 2019 and use this as our operating system for our domain controller, for our file server, and for running our ERP. We're also run our ERP on Microsoft Dynamics.
What is most valuable?
Windows Server is most commonly used and practiced. It is compatible with what we are running. You can run Dynamics on Linux or other operating systems, but our clients commonly use Windows Server, Microsoft products, and Office 365.
What needs improvement?
Often, we get updates that affect productivity. It's the way they do the updates.
After an update has been done, Microsoft notifies us that there is a problem.
It is not practical to have a test environment. There should be an easier process, as currently, it's a bit tedious. They should find a way of proving or revamping this procedure. It should be very fast.
When you are running Windows and Microsoft, you will see an error message regarding ransomware and suggest the security is up-to-date, but the update always affects the operating system. Most of the issues we have are when we apply security updates or critical updates, which will affect the operating system, the production environment, and your business.
It is recommended to have a test environment, run it on the test environment to make sure that it is working well then put it in the production environment. This is a tedious process. Most of the time, people just take a risk and just apply it without doing the test.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Windows Server for more than 10 years.
We are using Windows 2019, 2016, and 2012.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Windows Server is scalable.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We are also using Exchange version 2016, and Windows 10.
What other advice do I have?
With a proper deployment, Windows Server is good.
I would 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.
Account Manager Individual Contributor at a comms service provider with 51-200 employees
Affordably priced, simple to install, and helpful technical support
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of this solution is the ability to be used in a virtualized environment."
- "I would like to see better integration with other solutions."
What is our primary use case?
I use Windows Server for the deployment of applications for users.
This is only for the duration of the project; it is not for our personal use.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of this solution is the ability to be used in a virtualized environment.
What needs improvement?
I would like to see better integration with other solutions.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with Windows Server for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Windows Server is a stable product.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is fine. They were helpful.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have not worked with other similar solutions.
How was the initial setup?
It's a software solution.
The initial setup is straightforward.
It takes two months to deploy.
What about the implementation team?
For deployment, we have an internal technical team of three people.
What was our ROI?
Because we are not using this solution for our needs, the ROI would be more applicable to our customers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
In terms of price, it's affordable.
There are additional fees to pay for support. This is more specifically to do with the license price.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I evaluated several products, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, in order to find a budget for a project solution, but the project was canceled.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others who are interested in using it.
Our company is a partner.
I would rate Windows Server a nine out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Microsoft Azure
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: partner
A stable and easily installable deduplication solution
Pros and Cons
- "The installation is not difficult. I found it to be very straightforward."
- "The solution's licensing price is on the expensive side."
What is our primary use case?
We use Windows for its Single-Instance Storage, SIS, capabilities. The solution has deduplication default features. In respect of Windows security, the solution offers a GUI, graphical user interface, that is very convenient for the user. Linux, for its part, does not offer a graphical user interface.
What needs improvement?
The solution's licensing price is on the expensive side. This is an issue which Microsoft should address right away.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have much experience with Windows Server, having used it my entire career, in excess of 15 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We do not have plans to increase usage for at least the coming two years.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We did not use a different solution for our desktop prior to Windows Server, although for our server we used Linux.
How was the initial setup?
The installation is not difficult. I found it to be very straightforward.
It lasted 35 minutes.
What about the implementation team?
The installation can be done on one's own. Only one person is needed for the deployment. However, as we have a large scale data center, we have a team, consisting of five members, who are responsible for maintaining the entire infrastructure.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of the solution's license is expensive and this an issue which demands Window's immediate attention.
Our licensing fee is perpetual.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Windows Server as 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.
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