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SUSE Linux Enterprise vs Windows Server comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 7, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Categories and Ranking

SUSE Linux Enterprise
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
7th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
32
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Windows Server
Ranking in Operating Systems (OS) for Business
4th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.0
Number of Reviews
188
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of April 2025, in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category, the mindshare of SUSE Linux Enterprise is 7.2%, down from 8.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Windows Server is 9.0%, up from 8.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Operating Systems (OS) for Business
 

Featured Reviews

Dominique Locksley - PeerSpot reviewer
Has good kernel modules and upgrades
I like how the tool handles kernel modules and upgrades - we rarely have issues after upgrades, unlike with other Linux distributions like Oracle Linux or Ubuntu. The kernel module management is excellent. Changes made in one version typically work the same in other versions too, which isn't always the case with other distributions. There's also lots of information and community support available if you run into any problems, both on the official website and in forums and user groups. I know many people who use it specifically, so it's easy to get independent support if needed. I've been working with the tool for a long time, since 2003, before they became SUSE Linux Enterprise. It's always been one of the most admin-friendly Linux versions.
VIJAY RAGAVAN - PeerSpot reviewer
Facilitate fast deployment and seamless network management in global enterprise environments
Network configuration and management in Windows Server is very easy, providing fast deployment, plug and play capability, and simplified partition creation. This ease is crucial for us as we operate in analytical sciences with multiple laboratories. Additionally, backup work is facilitated by our own backup deployment managers, enhancing our management capabilities.

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

Pros

"From a functionality perspective, the suite is quite rich. We like that."
"YaST simplifies the server management of SUSE allowing for a centralized utility to control most of the server functions."
"The solution is easy to use, secure and allows for simple manipulation."
"The stability of the solution is good. We have not had any issue with performance."
"I have not experienced any issues with this operating system."
"The most important feature is the automatic kernel lifecycle subscription, which is critical for us because the server cannot go down once we start offering any services on the cluster."
"The most valuable features of the solution are patching and the BTRFS file system."
"It's a flexible solution."
"Windows Server is very easy to use."
"This is a stable product and we plan to continue using it in the future."
"We have been using this solution for a long time and it has been stable."
"The installation of the solution is becoming easier every year after new releases. The first installation can take an hour but you can use templates to make the installation very quick."
"The performance is good."
"The solution is easy to use."
"Windows Server is most commonly used and practiced."
"It's user-friendly."
 

Cons

"Sometimes it is a bit of work for developers to change the configurations."
"I have not seen an ROI with this solution."
"The product must improve its UI."
"Red Hat has more packages that are available than SUSE does. I'd love to see more projects based on SUSE."
"Compared with the competition, of late actually, the solution has increased its pricing tremendously."
"The platform doesn't support certain APMs."
"SUSE Linux could provide more information about cost and the details of how clustering works."
"When working in a Department of Defense environment, Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) have to be followed. SLES is not really addressed directly here. It did make following security policy difficult."
"The on premises to cloud migration should be easier."
"The customer support team is not satisfactory. Their expertise has diminished. I rate them two out of ten."
"We are waiting for the solution to be more secure and more stable."
"The solution could improve by making it more secure."
"Right now what is needed on the server-side is an easier release process. Every year or every third year they are releasing a newer version and it could go smoother."
"The licensing for the solution is expensive."
"I used to like the graphical interface and graphical philosophy in previous versions of Windows Server. I am not able to be as fast and efficient as I used to be using a graphical interface. However, Windows has moved to the PowerShell, it is powerful, but is still limited compared to what we do can do in Linux. Linux was built at the beginning of the command line interfaces which is why they have a very powerful command line."
"The technical support needs to be improved."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The product's licensing options align well with the evolving landscape of Linux variants."
"SUSE Linux Enterprise is reasonably priced compared to other operating systems. I find it's a much better option for us than Oracle, for example, because of the pricing structure. The pricing is easier to explain to clients and makes it easier to get clients' commitment. The licensing is also simpler to manage and keep track of. Their responsiveness is great - they give feedback very quickly when we ask questions about licensing or other aspects. This helps ensure we're always at the gold standard regarding licensing and everything related to SUSE Linux Enterprise."
"I would advise others to download the free or strictly open source versions, then test them in their environment before committing to a purchase. This will allow for testing suitability for applications that they want to run."
"Regarding pricing, everybody would want it to be cheaper."
"The price of SUSE Linux Enterprise could be cheaper. Other solutions, such as"
"The tool is expensive compared to Red Hat. I rate its pricing a nine out of ten."
"I rate the product price an eight on a scale of one to ten, where one is a low price, and ten is a high price."
"There is no license for this solution, there is only a subscription of support available."
"There is an annual license required for this solution."
"One of the problems with Microsoft is the price of licensing, and volume licensing for educational systems is a great option to bequeath licensing for small businesses."
"Licensing fees are paid on a yearly basis."
"The solution requires licencing."
"The software costs are dependent on what CAL requirements you have."
"There is a license for Windows Server, but we have got the license from a local supplier, Black Neuron Technology. They also provide tech support locally."
"Our customers prefer lifetime licenses."
"The Windows Server standard edition is affordable."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
15%
Manufacturing Company
12%
Government
8%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Computer Software Company
13%
Government
9%
Financial Services Firm
9%
University
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about SUSE Linux Enterprise?
The initial setup is simple and takes five minutes for deployment and if you have automation in place, it will take four minutes.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for SUSE Linux Enterprise?
I used the open-source version, so there were no setup costs.
What needs improvement with SUSE Linux Enterprise?
The software management side was a bit difficult, especially compared to Ubuntu. The software manager was different, making it challenging to install certain applications. Additionally, I encounter...
What needs improvement with Windows Server?
I think there is room for improvement in the stability of older versions. Additionally, Windows Server could be more power-efficient, especially for individuals doing labs or studies on personal co...
What is your primary use case for Windows Server?
Windows Server ( /products/windows-server-reviews ) is the operating system we run on our servers. We use it in the IT department, primarily as the OS for our servers.
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Air India, Akademicki Szpital Kliniczny (ASK), Allone, Altran, Apollo, ARCHIVA, Asia Innovatory Management School, ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GmbH, AutoData Norge AS, Baldor Electric, Business Connexion, CASIO, Ciclum Farma, Delta Lloyd, Edumate , HPE,  SAP SE,  Lenovo, BMW, T-Systems, UCX, Turners & Growers, Shenzhen Development Bank, Bosch Group, JK Tyres & Industries, IOCL, European Space Agency, Daimler AG, China Minsheng Banking Corp, Café Coffee Day, Unisys,  Petrochina Company Ltd, Fitch Ratings, ABeam Consulting Co Ltd, Tyro Payments, Rackspace, Pacific Textiles, ...
Rakuten, Rackspace, Tyco
Find out what your peers are saying about SUSE Linux Enterprise vs. Windows Server and other solutions. Updated: April 2025.
849,686 professionals have used our research since 2012.