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reviewer1217346 - PeerSpot reviewer
AVP at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
Real User
Top 10
Jan 25, 2022
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?

    We are using Windows Server for running our applications. One of our use cases is in a financial institution.

    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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    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: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
    PeerSpot user
    reviewer1228086 - PeerSpot reviewer
    SA at a university with 1,001-5,000 employees
    Real User
    Jan 20, 2022
    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: 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.
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    Lead DevOps Engineer at a comms service provider with 10,001+ employees
    Real User
    Jan 9, 2022
    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: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
    PeerSpot user
    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.

    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
    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
    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.