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reviewer1456140 - PeerSpot reviewer
CEO South East Asia at a engineering company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Jul 15, 2021
Easy to set up, quick to deploy, and fairly scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "Technical support is good."
  • "For the most part, we have been happy with its capabilities."
  • "The stability needs to be improved. I don't find it to be very stable."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for many purposes, the Active Directory, SQL, web server, and many other features.

What is most valuable?

The solution is very scalable. 

The installation process is very straightforward. 

Technical support is good. 

What needs improvement?

The stability needs to be improved. I don't find it to be very stable. It's something they need to work on.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've used the solution for many years at this point. it's been so long I've lost track of the exact amount of time, however, it's been a while. 

Buyer's Guide
Windows Server
September 2026
Learn what your peers think about Windows Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: September 2026.
917,433 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution isn't as stable as it could be.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The product scales very well. If a company needs to expand it, it can do so. It's not a problem.

We have about 2,000 users on the solution at this time. I can't speak to if we have plans to increase usage or not.

How are customer service and support?

I am satisfied with technical support so far. They've been helpful and responsive. 

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is not overly complex or difficult. It's straightforward and pretty easy to execute. 

The deployment is fast. It only takes us about 50 minutes to get everything up and running.

What about the implementation team?

I handled the installation by myself. I did not need the assistance of an integrator or consultant. It's a pretty simple process. 

What other advice do I have?

Right now, we are not on the latest version of the solution.

I'd rate the solution at an eight out of ten. For the most part, we have been happy with its capabilities. 

I'd recommend the solution to other users and companies.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Ravi-Upadhyay - PeerSpot reviewer
Founder at Inspira Enterprise
Real User
Top 20
Jul 11, 2021
High performance, scalable, and straightforward installation
Pros and Cons
  • "If everything is configured correctly this solution provides high performance. Building a Failover Cluster is comparatively much easier in Windows Server than any of the Linux-based solutions."
  • "They should release a command-line version of the solution."

What is our primary use case?

Windows Server can be used for various mission-critical applications, such as SAP, web servers, SQL databases, and hosting. Various security applications, for example, Symantec or McAfee, all need Windows Servers as the back end to operate. Additionally, this solution can be used to build up a Failover Cluster.

What is most valuable?

If everything is configured correctly this solution provides high performance. Building a Failover Cluster is comparatively much easier in Windows Server than any of the Linux-based solutions.

What needs improvement?

They should release a command-line version of the solution.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for approximately 15 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

Windows Server is stable. However, there is some maintenance required for smooth operations.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution can easily scale.

How was the initial setup?

The installation is straightforward and takes approximately one hour.

What about the implementation team?

If the server environment is large I would advise using an integrator. We have a team that does the maintenance of the solution which is important because it is used for mission-critical applications.

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

The solution could improve by changing the licensing model. In Windows Server 2008 they provided two versions, one regular and the other was free with no graphics. In Windows 2012 they stopped providing the free version. They should go back to the previous model and let customers have the choice whether they want to opt for a free version or have the Microsoft supported version or the OEM version.

If you choose Windows Server on-premises, you will receive a perpetual license and there is also a subscription license option. For the cloud version, there are several options available, such as a monthly subscription.

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?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Windows Server
September 2026
Learn what your peers think about Windows Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: September 2026.
917,433 professionals have used our research since 2012.
reviewer1428423 - PeerSpot reviewer
Head of Technical Support at a real estate/law firm with 51-200 employees
Real User
Jul 10, 2021
Reliable with good online documentation and a pretty easy setup
Pros and Cons
  • "The initial setup is not overly difficult."
  • "We're required to support it, however, for the most part, it works well and is reliable."
  • "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: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1410804 - PeerSpot reviewer
SAP Architecture Manager at a consultancy with 11-50 employees
Real User
Jul 1, 2021
Problem-free, extremely stable, and scales well
Pros and Cons
  • "The product can scale very well."
  • "Over the ten years we have used the servers, we've never had a problem."
  • "If it had more integration capabilities, that would be ideal."

What is our primary use case?

The solution is used both as a security measure and basically for all operating systems which are mostly for the ERP systems. They need to be installed in a Windows Server so that it has a link to the domain. It makes it a secure network.

What is most valuable?

The Windows Server is mostly to host our SAP application. It's just that basic operating system. We are using the backend as a database, a Microsoft SQL Server is there also in front of them.

Over the ten years we have used the servers, we've never had a problem. They are robust and reliable. 

The solution is quite stable.

The product can scale very well.

What needs improvement?

We could always use more security on the product.

If it had more integration capabilities, that would be ideal.

For how long have I used the solution?

We've been using the solution for about ten years now. It's been a decade or so. We've had it for a while.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is reliable and the performance is great. We literally never have any issues. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution scales quite well. If we need to expand it, it has the capacity to do so.

Windows Server acts basically as the SAP application that is being hosted on this server. We have not given access to our internal employees. Basically, we give access of SAP to several of our clients and there are more than 200 people using SAP and the backend Windows Server.

How are customer service and technical support?

Technical support is from the provider. So they are the ones who contact the Microsoft support team if there is an issue with the server.

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

We also use Windows 10.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is handled by our service providers. I do not handle the implementation process myself. Everything comes pre-installed and ready to go.

Maintenance is being done by the hosting service provider. We don't maintain the operating system; they do it from their end.

What about the implementation team?

The installation is done by the hosting service providers. They provide us the servers in which they pre-install Windows Server 2019. That comes as part of the servers which we take from the internet solution providers.

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

We don't pay for the license. That is as part of a contract in which we pay a monthly charge for having the servers in the hosted environment.

What other advice do I have?

We have several servers. The oldest are the 2012 versions. The newest servers we have are from 2019.

I'd rate the solution at a nine out of ten. I cannot say enough that, over the decade of use, we have had zero issues. It's been great.

I'd definitely recommend the product to other users and companies.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1604244 - PeerSpot reviewer
Founder at a non-profit with 1-10 employees
Real User
Jun 19, 2021
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."
  • "Overall Windows for us is more difficult and less efficient than Linux."

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
PeerSpot user
Cliff Matonda - PeerSpot reviewer
System Administrator at a consumer goods company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Top 10
Jun 13, 2021
Reliable, commonly known and used, and scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "Windows Server is most commonly used and practiced."
  • "With a proper deployment, Windows Server is good."
  • "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: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1523223 - PeerSpot reviewer
IT at a financial services firm with 201-500 employees
Real User
Jun 13, 2021
Easy to use, stable and with good performance for the running of OS applications
Pros and Cons
  • "We like the ease of use, stability and performance of Windows Server."
  • "As I have already paid for a license, I should have the option of requesting the containerized functionality from the OS to reduce the Windows Server OS footprint."

What is our primary use case?

A couple of years ago we migrated from the 2008 to the 2012 version and we are currently in the process of trying to migrate our applications to that of 2019. We use Windows 10 for OS. We're researching z/OS, which is actually Linux based, to see how well it works with Windows applications. 

When it comes to the SQL server, we have separate application and database servers, the latter which is also on Windows Server 2012. This means that we have a couple of applications in which we hosted in IIS and Windows Server 2012. Consequently, we have quite a collection of Windows 2012 that are currently running in our data center. 

For the moment, we are not making use of the solution in our environment but looking into how we can have a license free OS that can both work with lower machines and function very well.

What is most valuable?

We like the ease of use, stability and performance of Windows Server. The reason I was skeptical when it comes to moving to Windows Server 2019, which is currently the latest version that the market has to offer, is because the solution is easy to use and stable, something typical of any OS. While we are currently inspecting the compatibility of applications that are running on Windows version 2019, we're still using the 2012 version and everything is working fine. We have encountered no problems with the OS being used to run the applications. 

What needs improvement?

What could help in improving the footprint is if Microsoft could come up with several flavors or start providing containerized solutions for server systems. 

Say, for example, that I wish to host a web server online. I would pose the question whether I would really need to have a Windows Server OS for me to be able to do that on IIS. At the moment, the use of Kubernetes or Docker present the only solution. As there is a steep learning curve for one's team to acquire the skill-set and obtain the capabilities associated with these solutions, a relevant Microsoft version would make life much easier. 

As I have already paid for a license, I should have the option of requesting the containerized functionality from the OS to reduce the Windows Server OS footprint. This will save me from having to make constant installations as a condition of running my servers on it. 

For how long have I used the solution?

We've been using Windows Server for a couple of years, straight from the beginning. 

How are customer service and technical support?

We have had no issues with Windows Server that required technical support, although we did have to call the Microsoft team concerning something on which we were working and had issues around the MS Teams and certain things relating to Azure. I can connect you to my system's administrator if you wish, who may have more information. 

How was the initial setup?

The installation is pretty straightforward. 

What about the implementation team?

I can easily replicate what I want. My environment allows me to clone servers in a matter of mere minutes, as I already have a startup which contains all of my standards. 

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

One must pay for a license for the solution. 

What other advice do I have?

The number of users utilizing the solution averages slightly north of 500, since this is the application we use in running all our key activities. Each member of our organization's staff requires access to the solution for carrying out several functions, be it in respect of the application or of the need to log into the system as a consequence of this being where the employee management system is located. 

I would definitely recommend the solution to others. 

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1597158 - PeerSpot reviewer
Lead Solutions Architect - International Projects at a media company with 501-1,000 employees
Real User
Jun 11, 2021
Scalable, easy to install and best used for Microsoft applications
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is scalable."
  • "The installation process is very straightforward, very easy, and not too complex, so a company shouldn't have any problems handling the process."
  • "The solution is less stable than Linux."
  • "I don't like it. However, I'm forced to use it, due to the applications, or the vendor supply, that need to run on it."

What is our primary use case?

We have an asset management system from a vendor that requires Windows Server. That's where the old content of customers is being stored.

What is most valuable?

The solution is perfect for Microsoft applications.

The stability is okay.

The solution is scalable.

The installation process is easy.

What needs improvement?

I don't like it. However, I'm forced to use it, due to the applications, or the vendor supply, that need to run on it. Many of the applications only support Windows Server.

The solution is less stable than Linux.

For how long have I used the solution?

We've used the solution for a while. We use it constantly.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution is pretty stable. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's pretty reliable. That said, Linux is even more reliable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution can scale. If a company needs to expand it, it can do so easily.

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

We also use Linux. We're 50% Linux, 50% Windows. 

How was the initial setup?

The installation process is very straightforward. It's very easy. It's not too complex. A company shouldn't have any problems handling the process.

What other advice do I have?

We use various versions of the solution, including 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2019.

We're a service provider. I have colleagues who are MSP-certified. They are the consultants to our customers.

I'd rate the solution at a seven out of ten. it's okay. However, it's not my first choice. I find Linux, for example, more stable. 

I would only recommend the solution to a user if they really needed to use it for specific applications. I would not advise it if you needed to install it. I'd only advise it if your application requires Windows. If that's the case, then, of course, you should use it.

Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
LuisSilva6 - PeerSpot reviewer
Director of Information Technology at a hospitality company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Jun 9, 2021
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: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Girish Kumar. - PeerSpot reviewer
Consultant at Botmantra
MSP
Jun 5, 2021
Stable and user-friendly with good performance
Pros and Cons
  • "The performance of the solution is good; it's very easy and user-friendly compared to any other operating system."
  • "The scalability could be better."
  • "The scalability is limited. They could make it easier to expand."

What is our primary use case?

The solution is basically an operating system for business. We use it for business purposes. that's it.

What is most valuable?

The performance of the solution is good.

It's very easy and user-friendly compared to any other operating system.

The stability has been good.

What needs improvement?

The scalability could be better.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for the last five years or so. It's been a while at this point.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability has been good. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's reliable. Even if we ran into trouble, we know we can rely on Microsoft to help us very quickly.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability is limited. They could make it easier to expand.

I'm working with a startup and I would say there are about 50 people or so on the solution at this time. We don't have a big setup.

Likely, we plan to increase it in the future. By how much, I can't say.

How are customer service and technical support?

Technical support is responsive. We know if we run into issues, they will respond quickly in order to help us resolve the issue. We are quite satisfied with their level of attentiveness. They are helpful.

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

We did not use a different solution before setting up this product.

How was the initial setup?

I can't speak to the installation procedures. I've never participated in an initial setup and therefore cannot speak to the process or how easy or hard it was.

I can't speak to the maintenance requirements or how many people on staff look after the solution.

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

I'm not involved in the licensing aspect of the solution, I can't speak to the company's arrangement with Microsoft. I'm not sure how often we pay licensing fees or how much.

What other advice do I have?

We are end-users and customers. 

We use multiple deployment models, including cloud and on-premises. 

I'm using the latest version of the solution.

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

I'd recommend the solution to other users and companies. It's worked well for us so far.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Public Cloud
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Windows Server Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: September 2026
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Windows Server Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.