Almost all of our production systems run on Windows Server platforms. We tend to separate each server out as one role to host a single application or set of applications. All servers we run are virtualised and we utilise data centre licensing on our hosts. Most off-the-shelf applications require Windows Server, and we prefer centralised management of a single platform so it's really the only choice for us (apart from some virtual appliances).
Pros
Centralised management. Active directory and group policies make this quite easy.
Low resource use. We are able to deploy an increasing number of applications on server core.
Bundled services. More and more functionality is Bundled and can be added and removed as roles.
Cons
Some of the management tools are still lacking when it comes to remotely managing server core.
Some of the more advanced management is nuanced and poorly documented. Anything slightly complex or out of the norm requires a lot of searching.
Tech support. It is difficult to access Microsoft for support directly, software assurance should make that easy.
Likelihood to Recommend
In most cases you don't have a choice, many commercial applications are built on the Windows server base. However the domains and active directory are good when you have large numbers of servers to manage en-masse.
Windows Server is being used for many applications across the organization. It is used as the operating system for all virtual machines. As we are using Windows Server for all systems, we also use most of the services that Windows Server offers. Including but not limited to; Active Directory, DHCP, DNS, Print Services, and more.
Pros
Active Directory is critical
Integration with DHCP and DNS
Runs basically everything
Cons
Cost for virtualization is becoming ridiculous
Interface updates have reduced functionaility
Many functions pushed to powershell only - powershell is an amazing tool but old functions should still be available in GUI
Likelihood to Recommend
You really don't have much of a choice when it comes to enterprise class operating systems, particularly in the public sector. Fortunately, Windows Server gets the job done and it get it done well. Running it as the core of your environment or even for hosting a small application is always feasible, especially if you opt for datacenter licensing.
VU
Verified User
Manager in Information Technology (201-500 employees)
We manage Windows Server for a few of our clients who need it for computer lab deployments or data sharing among office staff. In a Windows environment, it's the only way to go to get good control over devices and easily provide access to shared resources like drives and printers over the network.
Pros
Manage accounts
Share printers
Organize files
Cons
User friendly interfaces
GUI tools for common tasks currently relegated to Powershell
Licensing can be incredibly difficult
Likelihood to Recommend
If you run a Windows or mixed environment and want to share resources, Windows Server is the way to do it. It can do quite a bit, but because of that, it is a very complex set of tools, so be prepared to invest a lot in getting it set up and maintaining things.
VU
Verified User
Technician in Information Technology (11-50 employees)
We are using Windows Server at our business for multiple uses. First, it is being used as a File Server - allowing us to have a large repository of data without upgrading individual workstations. Second, we are using Windows Server 2016 do to it's ability to perform workstation backups - reliably. The backup function supports Bare-Metal Restore (and has been put the test multiple times and works great!) and also supports deduplication - it only stores 1 copy of each duplicate file from All of our workstations (why take space to store Windows 10 files, etc. multiple times). They have deprecated that function in Windows Server 2019.
Pros
Backup of workstations & itself - reliably, consistently, with Bare-Metal Restore and deduplication
File management and Security on a per file/folder/user basis is simple and fully done through an easy GUI
DNS, DHCP server functions are easy to configure using the built-in GUI
Cons
Windows Server 2019 has deprecated one of the best and most reliable feature of Server 2016 - workstation backups.
Windows Server 2019 works great with Azure for cloud functionality, but could use more options to work with out cloud providers.
Likelihood to Recommend
If you have one user or 1000's of users (especially using Windows), Windows Server is a no-brainer! The only reason I would suggest going with a Linux server is if you have old hardware (Windows Server is more process intensive than Linux). But, Linux is open-source, so anyone can publish updates/security updates, but on the flip side, malicious people also have full access to Linux's codebase allowing for much easier writing of exploitations/viruses/malware/ransomware.
I have been supporting Windows Servers for many years and the product has evolved significantly over the past years. The product is used throughout the enterprise for running the smallest applications to running large business-critical applications. The product is being used as an operating system either on a bare metal server or within a virtual machine running on top of VMware, Hyper-V, or Nutanix. We use the product to authenticate users on our domain via an active directory. It is also used to provide DHCP and DNS services. On one project we used it for configuring virtual desktops using terminal services and we could provision desktop clients in a browser. Previously we also used it for VPN access but then switched to a FortiGate firewall as it is more secure.
Pros
Easy to use due to its intuitive graphical user interface.
Very popular and makes integration easier.
Lots of software drivers available.
Has many functionalities such as Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, VPN, RDP, VDI server, etc.
Many patches and updates available. Maybe abit too much too often.
Cost effective and with budget.
Remote desktop feature simplifies remote access to this server.
It has a built in VPN and ssl certificate feature.
Event viewer is available for alerts, although it seems too cumbersome to go through the logs.
If you got too many Windows systems to manage, then SCCM is an option.
Cons
Microsoft needs to minimize the update frequency by making the product more secure. It can become very exhausting trying to keep updated if you don't have a dedicated support team. It can become challenging where the business is unable to allow downtime for reboots as part of the update process.
Prone to security and audit vulnerabilities.
The operating system needs more CPU and memory resources compared to other options such as Linux.
Understanding the licensing model can be abit confusing.
Comes with a standard firewall, but not the most secured one available. Would suggest using a more secured firewall as part of your antivirus software.
Due to the number of vulnerabilities and the operating system being a target for hackers, anti-virus software is a must.
Likelihood to Recommend
It can be basically deployed in any environment from the smallest branch or home office to running your mission-critical applications in large data centers. Its basic features are very easy to deploy and manage by even a junior engineer who understands Microsoft Operating Systems. The advanced features can be easily learned as there are many training options and support forums to assist.
Windows Server is used in our Information Technology department and most of our applications hosted on it. Our databases are also deployed on the windows server platform. We have deployed our applications and databases as well as our virtualization of physical servers using windows server technology. We have virtualized our servers.
Pros
Easy to Use
User community is strong
Frequent Updates
Security updates are frequent
Hardware independent
Cons
Slow Processing
Slow Multitasking
Frequent crash of software
Resource intensive
High Graphics software's may frequent crash
Likelihood to Recommend
Easy to configure and install, even an internee can use it and understand it, whenever you are stuck in anything you just have to read the Microsoft articles and will get the solution for any condition.
VU
Verified User
Administrator in Information Technology (1001-5000 employees)
We use Windows server for all server related functions including DC, DNS, DHCP, File, Print, etc..
Pros
File Sharing
Print management
Active Directory
DNS, DHCP
Cons
[I believe you should ] stay far away from Windows Server 2016. The update process is horrible on it.
Licensing is expensive and complicated. Multiple different types of licenses needed.
Likelihood to Recommend
I feel that Windows Server is the best server OS to run a small to medium business on. Yes, there are other cheaper options out there, but they require much more in depth knowledge and offer limited support. Ease of use plus customization and comfort will always make Windows Server OS my first choice.
VU
Verified User
Professional in Information Technology (11-50 employees)
Windows Server is the backbone for our organization which runs web and desktop applications to support end users in managing their daily tasks and assignments. One of the best features is that it is a part of Microsoft Eco System so if you are using other Microsoft Services i.e. Active Directory, SQL Server and Power BI so they can easily be integrated.
Pros
Integration with other Microsoft products and services.
Failover management.
Web server management IIS.
Network management.
Firewall.
Cons
Web hosting tool.
Networking management tool.
Vulnerability and threat analysis tool.
Likelihood to Recommend
Overall experience was good bundle of managing features that could make monitoring a lot easier whole in one package to support and integrate with other applications of Microsoft i.e. Software Center, Active Directory, SQL Server, IIS and many more. UI can be made much simpler and with upcoming advancement in threats there is always a space for enhancement.
