Local Servers still make sense in an age of online services.
June 29, 2017

Local Servers still make sense in an age of online services.

Anonymous | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Windows Server

Windows server is used to share file and printer resources on the network. It addresses the problem of managing and storing users' files and printers on the network. It is also used to host a payroll and CRM software that is used by the payroll and PR dept. It allows managing users over a large number workstations and can be used to share files with non-Windows clients like Macs.
  • Share files and printers.
  • User account management.
  • Active Directory integration with other software.
  • Group policies that automate settings when logging in with a Windows domain desktop.
  • Windows updates can be obtrusive and disruptive and is unavoidable without compromising security.
  • Security vs. other OSs is substandard and requires a lot of attention and time to maintain.
  • Customer support is basically limited to online forums unless separate support is purchased from Microsoft.
  • Windows server has had a positive ROI through allowing us to run our on site payroll, CRM software
  • Windows server has had a positive ROI by running local file storage and managing user logins.
  • Windows Serverr has had a negative ROI impact by increasing time to manage and renew complicated licenses.
Windows Server allows much more control and flexibility than online file storage solutions. Windows is also much faster than cloud file storage and does not require the Internet. Greater flexibility and control means more time managing user that includes upgrading servers and managing, purchasing, renewing licenses server and server licenses. I would choose windows server for greater control and faster performance. The online cloud file services offer more convenience in terms of backups and upgrades that come with the services by default.
Windows server is well suited for organizations with over 20 employees. A lot of solutions in the cloud are now competing with the local File Server model that Windows server addresses. If you have less than 20 employees it may not justify the cost of licensing/server hardware and time to maintain windows server to justify the benefits. The Microsoft Licensing model is very confusing and can be costly. If you are a non profit Microsoft has generous price cuts through tech soup. Because windows server is a traditional software model you will need to maintain it and upgrade it after the product is replaced with the next version. If you have over 20 employees and want the fastest possible access to files than Windows server is probably well suited. Many on site software solutions also require running on Windows server as well.