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Senior Software Consultant at a tech services company with 11-50 employees
Consultant
Dec 2, 2021
Simple to set up and use
Pros and Cons
  • "The feature that I have found most valuable is the Active Directory. I have had good experience with Windows Server."
  • "The Active Directory synchronization on Azure. This is something which was not easy to do. Using Azure Active Directory, I was trying to sync and this was not straightforward. This process could be more simplified."

What is our primary use case?

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

What is most valuable?

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

What needs improvement?

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

For how long have I used the solution?

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

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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is a stable product.

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

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Windows Server is easy to scale.

We have 15 people using it.

How are customer service and support?

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

In general, my experience with Microsoft support is good.

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

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

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

How was the initial setup?

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

What about the implementation team?

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

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

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

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

What other advice do I have?

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

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

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
it_user1588665 - PeerSpot reviewer
Platform Manager at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
May 28, 2021
Easy to use, stable, and scalable
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is very easy to use and very easy to onboard."
  • "It requires a lot of monthly maintenance in terms of vulnerability management, which is the downside."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for a variety of tasks including active directory servers, exchange servers, hosting applications, running insurance apps, and SQL databases. A whole gamut of things. 

What is most valuable?

The SQL version of the solution is its most valuable aspect.

The solution is very easy to use and very easy to onboard. 

The solution, for the most part, is stable. The stability is actually pretty good in terms of availability.

The product's performance depends on the use case.

The solution is very scalable.

The initial setup isn't overly difficult.

What needs improvement?

It requires a lot of monthly maintenance in terms of vulnerability management, which is the downside. 

I would say the biggest improvement could be improvement in the vulnerability space. Every month we get critical vulnerabilities across the Windows Server fleet. If I could see the volumes come down there, that would be the biggest step forward.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for 15 or more years at this point. It's been well over a decade. it's been a while.

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. 

However, every release gets more stable and offers more performance with the exception of vulnerability management, which doesn't seem to improve. I would say, we haven't got that much experience with 2019, yet 2012 was a big advancement on 2008's version. 2016 advanced as well. Every newer version gets better in terms of performance and stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We tend to scale horizontally, and that'll scale up to quite a degree. We have some very large SQL Servers in particular that are scalable.

We have about 5,000 to 10,000 users on the solution currently.

How are customer service and technical support?

Technical support is okay. If I had to rate it against any industry standards, I would rate it at a six or seven out of ten. It's not as good as other providers I work with. Right now, Microsoft needs you to prove it's a Microsoft issue before they'll work on it.

How was the initial setup?

We generate a custom build that's automated. Automating everything took quite a lot of effort, however, now that we have an automated build, implementing that for any new version probably takes, I'd say, a month, or maybe a bit more, which is not too bad. It's pretty straightforward.

We have a team of eight or nine individuals that can handle deployment and maintenance.

What about the implementation team?

We handled the implementation by ourselves. We didn't need the assistance of any consultants or integrators.

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

We have enterprise agreements with Microsoft.

What other advice do I have?

We are customers and end-users.

While the deployment models we use are mostly on-premises, we do sometimes use cloud deployment as well.

We use a variety of versions of the solution, including 2019, 2016, and 2012.  We actually use a lot of 2012.

I'd rate the solution at a seven out of ten. It's a step up from older versions.

I'd recommend the solution to other companies. However, it depends on the use case. If you were hosting SQL or Exchange server, certainly. However, in other circumstances, if it was between this and Red Hat Linux, you might choose Red Hat Linux.

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
Buyer's Guide
Windows Server
January 2026
Learn what your peers think about Windows Server. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2026.
881,733 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Eman Taky - PeerSpot reviewer
IT operation manager at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Real User
Jan 25, 2024
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: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
PeerSpot user
Aqib Khan - PeerSpot reviewer
ITSM Administrator & Analyst at a government with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Jan 18, 2024
The product is secure, and it performs well, but the stability could be improved
Pros and Cons
  • "The product’s performance is good."
  • "The stability could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution for all the applications and Active Directory. We use it for enterprise management. We have different departments.

How has it helped my organization?

The product is secure.

What is most valuable?

The product’s performance is good. We have a good infrastructure.

What needs improvement?

The stability could be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using the solution for eight to ten years. I am using the latest version.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The tool is stable. I rate the stability an eight out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have more than 5000 users. The usage keeps increasing in our organization.

How are customer service and support?

Whenever we face any issue, we contact our Windows team, and they improve it. The technical support is fine.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

The deployment was done in-house. We have a big team to deploy and maintain the product, including project and system managers.

What other advice do I have?

I will recommend the tool to others. Overall, I rate the solution a seven or 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
IT head at a financial services firm with 201-500 employees
Real User
Jan 16, 2024
A stable and scalable solution that can be used to run various systems
Pros and Cons
  • "Windows Server is a stable and scalable solution."
  • "The solution's licensing cost is expensive and could be improved."

What is our primary use case?

We use Windows Server to run our banking system.

What is most valuable?

Windows Server is a stable and scalable solution.

What needs improvement?

The solution's licensing cost is expensive and could be improved.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Windows Server for five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate Windows Server ten out of ten for stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Around 42 users in our organization use the solution on a daily basis.

I rate Windows Server ten out of ten for scalability.

How was the initial setup?

The solution’s initial setup is too complex.

What about the implementation team?

We deploy the solution manually because we only have five servers. Around eight technical staff are needed for the solution’s deployment and maintenance.

What was our ROI?

We have seen value from using the solution, and that's why we deploy our systems using Windows Server.

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

We use a perpetual license for Windows Server, which is expensive.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend Windows Server to other users. Users should be trained or familiar with operating the solution before using it.

Overall, I rate Windows Server ten 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
IT Cybersecurity and Compliance Coordinator at a construction company with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
May 22, 2023
Easy to use, secure, scales well and has helpful responsive support
Pros and Cons
  • "There is room for improvement in terms of pricing."
  • "The most valuable features of this solution are its performance, security, and that it is easy to use."
  • "There is room for improvement in terms of pricing."

How has it helped my organization?

Managing active directories and middle directories, including users and accounts, is of utmost importance for organizations. 

This entails implementing protective measures, enabling conditional access, and ensuring data security, among other essential aspects.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of this solution are its performance, security, and that it is easy to use.

What needs improvement?

There is room for improvement in terms of pricing.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Windows Server for 20 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I would rate the stability of Windows Server a nine out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I would rate the scalability of Windows Server a nine out of ten.

We have plans to increase our usage in the future.

How are customer service and support?

I would rate the technical support a ten out of ten.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup was straightforward.

What was our ROI?

We have experienced a positive return on investment (ROI).

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

The cost is relatively high.

What other advice do I have?

I would 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
reviewer1465566 - PeerSpot reviewer
Account Manager Individual Contributor at a comms service provider with 51-200 employees
Real User
Apr 3, 2022
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
PeerSpot user
Arpit Agarwal - PeerSpot reviewer
Enterprise API Architect at a retailer with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Mar 26, 2022
Beneficial application compatibility, highly scalable, and good support
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable feature of Windows Server is the ease of use and the applications that are available."
  • "Windows Server could improve by improving technology modernization."

What is our primary use case?

 For the server-side deployment, we use Windows Server to run applications.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of Windows Server is the ease of use and the applications that are available.

What needs improvement?

Windows Server could improve by improving technology modernization.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using Windows Server for a very long time.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of Windows Server is an important feature.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have approximately 200 users using this solution.

How are customer service and support?

The support from Microsoft is good.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of Windows Server was straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

The implementation requires a full team to accomplish the task.

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

There is a license required to use Windows Server.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution to others.

I rate Windows Server a nine out of ten.

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: January 2026
Buyer's Guide
Download our free Windows Server Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.