We are using Windows Server for running our applications. One of our use cases is in a financial institution.
AVP at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
User-friendly, reliable, and good premium support
Pros and Cons
- "Windows Server is user-friendly and it is simply to support."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
Windows Server is user-friendly and it is simply to support.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Windows Server for approximately two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Windows Server has been stable in my usage.
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January 2025
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What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of Windows Server is good.
We have approximately 3,000 users using the solution.
How are customer service and support?
We have premium support with Microsoft, and it is good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have used Windows 10.
How was the initial setup?
The installation is simple, and it takes approximately one hour.
We have a golden copy of Windows Server, and we only need to apply it to the systems. This does not take much time for us, approximately seven minutes and Windows Server will be ready. We do the maintenance, such as patching, antivirus, and all the security that we have been approved in the bank. However, it's virtual now. All our environment is virtual, we only need to apply the golden copy.
Depending on the application or use case, we might use Windows 19, 16, or 12.
What about the implementation team?
I can do the implementation of the solution.
We have 10 engineers and managers that support Windows Server.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We have an enterprise agreement with Microsoft and the price for the license is bundled together. The solution is expensive but for the bank that is using it, the price is fine. We pay for a license every three years.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others.
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.
Senior Software Consultant at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
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.
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.
Buyer's Guide
Windows Server
January 2025
Learn what your peers think about Windows Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2025.
832,138 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Manager at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees
Scalable, easy to implement, and has a nice interface
Pros and Cons
- "We find the initial implementation process to be quick and easy."
- "The technical support needs to be improved."
What is our primary use case?
The solution is mainly used for personal tasks. A lot of the customers are working with Microsoft solutions. This product works well with Microsoft. That's why we provide the Microsoft Windows Server solution to a lot of our customers.
What is most valuable?
The solution is very stable.
The scalability has been good.
We find the initial implementation process to be quick and easy.
The interface is good.
We've found the level of security to be fine.
What needs improvement?
The technical support needs to be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for eight years. It's been a while. I've used it for almost a decade.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable. There are no bugs or glitches and it doesn't crash or freeze. It's reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is very scalable. If a company needs to expand it, it can do so. It's not a problem.
We only have about 14 people on the solution currently.
How are customer service and technical support?
Microsoft technical support isn't ideal. They could improve their services. We're not 100% satisfied.
They could be faster, more knowledgeable, and more customer-friendly. They need to provide more direct answers.
How was the initial setup?
The installation process isn't too difficult. It's fairly straightforward.
The deployment is fast and only takes about three or four hours or so. It doesn't take long.
In my organization, we have eight people that can handle deployment or maintenance tasks.
What about the implementation team?
As integrators, we can set up the solution for our clients. I can handle a deployment myself. It's not overly complex.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Customers do need to pay a yearly licensing fee.
What other advice do I have?
I work with both the on-premises and cloud deployment models.
We're an integrator.
I'd rate the solution at an eight out of ten. We're pretty happy with its capabilities.
That said, in Thailand, they do not sell many Windows Servers, so it's difficult to use the product, Windows Server, a lot.
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: Integrator
Director of Information Technology at a hospitality company with 10,001+ employees
Good performance, simple, and works with all kinds of software
Pros and Cons
- "It is pretty simple and flexible. It works with all kinds of software. That's why we are using it. We avoid using Linux and other platforms."
- "It can have more integration with different platforms."
What is our primary use case?
We use it for our servers. We have Windows 2012 and Windows 2016. We are not on the latest version, but we are almost there.
What is most valuable?
It is pretty simple and flexible. It works with all kinds of software. That's why we are using it. We avoid using Linux and other platforms.
Its performance is also good.
What needs improvement?
It can have more integration with different platforms. Its installation could also be easier.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for six years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Currently, we have around 150 users. We don't have any plans to increase its usage.
How are customer service and technical support?
I don't have experience with their technical support.
How was the initial setup?
Its installation is of medium complexity. It can be tricky.
Normally, the installation takes half an hour to one hour. The updates take more time than the installation.
What about the implementation team?
Normally, I do it myself. Only when I have issues, I use a consultant.
We have a technical team of two engineers for deployment and maintenance.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Its price is fine. Its licensing is on a yearly basis.
What other advice do I have?
I would surely recommend this solution to others who want to start using it.
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.
Senior IT Specialist at a manufacturing company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Easy to use and is constantly improving its functionality, including upgrades to security
Pros and Cons
- "Every time they perform a new release, the solution gets better and better."
- "Right now what is needed on the server-side is an easier release process. Every year or every third year they are releasing a newer version and it could go smoother."
What is our primary use case?
We're primarily using the solution mostly for the file server and communication and so on.
What is most valuable?
Every time they perform a new release, the solution gets better and better.
In the past year, Microsoft has done a lot of work around security. There have been a lot of improvements made in that respect.
Overall, the solution works well.
What needs improvement?
Right now what is needed on the server-side is an easier release process. Every year or every third year they are releasing a newer version and it could go smoother.
The solution lacks a few features here and there.
Although they've done a good job updating security, there's more to be done, and they should continue improving this aspect of the product.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been using the solution for what feels like forever. I can't recall a time we didn't actually use it.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is reliable. I believe it to be stable. There aren't bugs or glitches that affect it. It doesn't seem to crash or freeze. It's good for the most part. I can't complain.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable. You can expand it if you need to, for the most part.
How are customer service and technical support?
I don't have any experience with Microsoft's technical support. I wouldn't be able to speak to how effective they are at troubleshooting or solving issues. The solution works well, and we haven't had any issues, so there's been no reason to reach out. That probably speaks to how well the solution runs in general.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is pretty straightforward. You just click through, and it's pretty easy.
That said, some setups seem to have some more complex configurations. Most of the time, things are pretty straightforward.
What other advice do I have?
We're just a customer. We don't have a business relationship with Microsoft.
We're using a standard out of the box deployment.
We always update the solution to the newest possible version. We update regularly.
I'd advise that new users learn about the solution before jumping in. It's always good to take a class or study up on it a bit so that you know what you can do with the server and how to navigate around in it. It's a good idea to take a certification course.
That said, users can always Google answers or use the Microsoft Flow tool.
I'd absolutely recommend the solution. I'd rate the solution nine out of ten overall. There's always room for improvement, of course. However, generally speaking, it hasn't given us any issues and does what we need it to do. There are always ways to improve security, stability, and scalability.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Team Lead at Regnology
Enables us to build and test applications directly on the server from scratch.
Pros and Cons
- "We use Active Directory and IIS to host different kinds of web apps. We have also used the FTP feature for our FTP server."
- "Active Directory should have groups and policies. It could probably provide a better overview of how Active Directory is built."
What is our primary use case?
We use the solution for deployments, troubleshooting, Active Directory policies, and Windows patching.
What is most valuable?
We use Active Directory and IIS to host different kinds of web apps. We have also used the FTP feature for our FTP server.
FTP functionality does not require additional payment because Windows Server already includes the feature, reducing the costs of these tools. Windows Server also includes IIS, a web server hosting applications. This allows us to build and test applications directly on the server from scratch.
What needs improvement?
Active Directory should have groups and policies. It could probably provide a better overview of how Active Directory is built.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Windows Server as a consultant for ten years. We are using the 2022 version of the solution, as well as the 2008, 2016, and 2018 versions.
What other advice do I have?
We have various security measures, such as antivirus software and firewalls. Additionally, on the network side, we utilize different types of firewalls to manage and enhance the security of the infrastructure itself.
Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Last updated: Jul 8, 2024
Flag as inappropriateEngineer at a pharma/biotech company with 10,001+ employees
A robust, scalable, and low-maintenance solution
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of Windows Server is its scalability and robustness."
- "Windows could add more tools to monitor the health of the server."
What is our primary use case?
We use Windows Server for process control in process control systems. Right now, the operations team is the only one using the solution. They conduct day collection for our process control system.
How has it helped my organization?
Windows Server provides a robust operating system that keeps our processes running 24 hours a day without any downtime.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of Windows Server is its scalability and robustness.
What needs improvement?
Windows could add more tools to monitor the health of the server.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using Windows Server for 15 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Windows Server is highly robust. We only have to do maintenance on the system once yearly.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Windows Server is very scalable, but we don't have any plans to increase our usage in the near term.
How are customer service and support?
So far, we've only had good experiences with Windows support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We were previously running Unix, but the manufacturer of our control system forced us to switch to Windows Server. We didn't have a choice.
How was the initial setup?
We set up the servers ourselves. The time needed to deploy varies from server to server.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Windows could always lower the cost.
What other advice do I have?
I rate Windows Server about a nine out of 10. It's very robust, but there is always room for improvement in monitoring and other features.
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.
Group DWH and BI Senior Manager at Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa
Plenty of support, flexible, and easy to maintain
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features are the ease of access and maintaining the solution."
- "The security could improve. If you are comparing the Linux operating systems and Windows Server, Windows Server is still way behind in terms of security. Microsoft can enhance security instead of having customers rely on third-party security tools."
What is our primary use case?
We use Windows Server mainly for deploying high-end applications and databases.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features are the ease of access and maintaining the solution.
What needs improvement?
The security could improve. If you are comparing the Linux operating systems and Windows Server, Windows Server is still way behind in terms of security. Microsoft can enhance security instead of having customers rely on third-party security tools.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Windows Server for approximately 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Windows Server is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable and flexible to expend.
We have approximately 25 users using this solution in my organization.
How are customer service and technical support?
The technical support and local support from Microsoft are good and there is a large online community that can support us. If we ever have any problems or bugs with the solution we can reach out to those supports to help us. However, we have not encountered any issues at this time.
How was the initial setup?
If it is a basic installation then it is pretty straightforward. However, if you need to do a lot of configurations you will need some technical knowledge.
What about the implementation team?
We can do the implementation ourselves, but mostly we distribute the task to consultants because they know the timeliness and the amount of work that needs to be done.
We have our IT support team of administrators and technicians that needs to manage the resources and in some cases do patch management and maintenance. For server maintenance, we need an expert that understands how to scale up or scale down the server.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There is a one-time purchase for the license of Windows Server.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
Technically we only have two options to choose from for a solution to our use case. One is red Hat Linux and the other is Windows Server. Some of the applications that the team needs to develop only work on Windows Server. Based on the use case and the ease of access we went for Windows Server.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others.
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.
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