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Windows Server Review
June 28, 2021

Windows Server Review

Zakarieya Abderoef | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Windows Server

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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Ease of use due to its intuitive graphical user interface.
  • The product is very versatile and can be used in almost any environment.
  • It has many integration capabilities and can attach to a vast array of peripherals.
  • It comes standard with very useful features at no additional cost.
  • It can integrate seamlessly with other Microsoft applications.
  • Costs savings due to ease of use.
  • When purchased as part of a Microsoft Enterprise Agreements the software can be procured at reduced costs.
  • Time and cost-saving due to lots of information available online to simplify troubleshooting.
  • Windows Server includes lots of value added functionality at no additional costs.
  • The latest version has an anti-ransomware feature to protect company data from being encrypted at no additional costs.
  • Hyper-V feature is also standard and when using the data center edition you can run unlimited VMs as part of the license model.
Windows Server is more cost-effective and skills are easier to find to support the products. The deployment and management of the product can be automated with Microsoft SCCM. In my opinion, Linux seems to be more secured but takes more time and effort to learn than Windows Server. However, there are more Windows Server skills available in the job market.

Do you think Windows Server delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Windows Server's feature set?

Yes

Did Windows Server live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Windows Server go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Windows Server again?

Yes

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.