Windows Server is a powerful and flexible operating system widely used by businesses to host applications, provide secure access to data, and manage network infrastructure. With its advanced virtualization capabilities, scalability, security features, and integration with other Microsoft products, it offers a range of benefits that can help businesses modernize and remain flexible in the face of ever-changing business needs.
This article will explore the various advantages of hosting on Windows Server and how it can be a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.
What are the Advantages and Flexibility of Windows Server?
Businesses of all sizes have been using Windows Server as the platform to run their mission-critical workloads for over 30 years. The powerful features of Windows Server allow businesses to enjoy a range of benefits and flexibility, including the following.
Azure Hybrid Benefit Expansion
This hybrid cloud program allows system administrators to cut down costs of running workloads in the cloud. A Windows Server license with Software Assurance (SA) permits the use of SUSE Linux and RedHat subscriptions on virtual machines in Azure. For edge locations and on-premises data centers, SQL Server also allows Windows Server SA customers to run Azure Stack HCI and Azure Kubernetes Service at no extra cost through Azure Arc.
More Flexibility to Run Windows Server
Microsoft's Flexible Virtualization Benefit update allows businesses to realize an ROI when moving SQL Server and Windows Server 2022 workloads from on-premises to other cloud providers’ infrastructure. The Software Assurance offering also allows use when licensing individual virtual machines (VMs) on-premises.
Modernize for End of Support
Windows Server offers several options for customers running Windows Servers reaching the end of support. For example, those using Windows Server 2012/R2 can protect their workloads by:
- Upgrading to Windows Server 2019 or 2022 for advanced security and application modernization.
- Migrating to Azure and running securely with up to three years of free Extended Security updates. This covers all Azure destinations like Azure Stack portfolio, Azure VMware Solution, Azure Dedicated Host, and Azure Virtual Machine.
- Those who can’t meet the end-of-support deadline or migrate to Azure can buy extended security updates on-premises.
Multi-Layered Security
Windows Server is one of the premier solutions for computing and networking, mainly due to its robust security features. It includes a powerful Windows Defender antivirus and firewall that offers layers of defense against malicious activity and cyber-attacks.
It also has automated patching that keeps the system updated with the latest security updates from Microsoft. Window Server also has the server core option for those deploying Datacenter or Standard edition. The Server Core has a smaller code base, which reduces the attack surface.
Windows Server Has Multiple Sockets
Windows Server has multiple sockets, allowing website owners to host multiple sites simultaneously. For example, you can use Apache to host a single website and access it through a PHP or DNS server. This flexibility allows businesses to run numerous independent websites on the same server, saving on costs and improving performance.
Does Not Demand Too Much Maintenance
Another incredible benefit of using a Windows server is that it doesn't require much maintenance. This allows IT administrators to focus on managing other tasks instead of just fixing server issues, making it the perfect solution for any business looking to reduce the maintenance required in their enterprise environment.
Scalable
Windows Server has a huge advantage when it comes to scalability. This feature allows businesses to easily adjust the utilization of system resources and tailor them to their needs. Whether companies have sudden spikes in customer traffic or need the ability to increase or decrease memory and other resources, Windows Server can adjust accordingly with ease. It even goes beyond just resource adjustments and allows for any scaling of application architecture appropriate for your organization's size and complexity.
Access Control
Access control is another top benefit of using Windows Server, as it simplifies setting user-level access restrictions and permissions within a system environment. The system allows administrators to assign access rights based on credentials like user activities, groups of users, job requirements, and more.
It also reduces mismatches between software versions and features by requiring all applications to conform to specific access control standards enforced by Windows server operating systems. This provides an extra layer of security for any business environment and helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized individuals or hackers who try to gain access.
Security Update
With security updates, users are automatically kept up-to-date on their system's latest threats and vulnerabilities. These updates ensure that all known threats have been patched against and can help prevent malware from taking hold in your system. Security updates also help improve performance as well as more efficiently configure options within your system.
Alternatives to Microsoft Windows Server
Beyond Windows Server, several other server options exist on the market. Here is an overview of some of them and how they compare to Windows Server.
Linux
Linux and Windows Server have dominated the web-hosting market for years. The two systems have lots of similarities, especially around function and applications. But they also have differences, as listed below.
|
|
Linux-based web server |
Windows web server |
|
Cost |
Free, open source |
License costs per user |
|
Standard operation |
Command line |
Graphic user interface |
|
Architecture |
Based on Linux Kernel |
Centered around Windows NT architecture |
|
Software and features |
Not all programs have porting; includes a big arsenal of applications |
Supports popular programs; use of Microsoft applications possible. Semi-annual feature updates |
|
Database support |
PostgreSQL, MySQL, |
Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL, |
|
Security |
Regular users have no access to basic system settings; known security gaps or breaches are handled quickly |
Very prone to user errors; integrated interface seen as a potential point of attack |
|
Support |
Community-based support |
Long-term customer support, great documentation and community |
Microsoft Office 365
Office 365 is a cloud-powered productivity platform from Microsoft. It is a great alternative for those looking for:
- Seamless team collaboration
- Data loss prevention
- Protective features to reduce security risks
- Threat intelligence
- Mobile device management
- Different flexible, personalized plans
- Advanced security
However, Office 365 also presents some cons. For example, any interruptions to the internet limit access to software and data. Also, security can be a concern as data is hosted in Microsoft’s data center.
Overall, Windows Server is reliable, cost-effective, and flexible. This makes it suitable for business-critical operations. If you’re planning to get Windows Server for your business, My Choice Software can help.
