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Oracle Solaris Reviews

Vendor: Oracle
4.3 out of 5
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What is Oracle Solaris?

Oracle Solaris stands out for its virtualization capabilities, stability, and comprehensive security measures. Its compatibility with databases and scalable nature make it ideal for enterprise applications, while features like ZFS, DTrace, and Live Upgrade ensure efficient file management and minimal downtime.

Get the Oracle Solaris Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Oracle Solaris, Ubuntu Linux, Rocky Linux and more!
Oracle Solaris is the #17 ranked solution in top Operating Systems for Business. PeerSpot users give Oracle Solaris an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Oracle Solaris is most commonly compared to Ubuntu Linux: Oracle Solaris vs Ubuntu Linux. Oracle Solaris is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 52% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 14% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
Oracle Solaris
April 2026
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Oracle Solaris mindshare

As of May 2026, the mindshare of Oracle Solaris in the Operating Systems (OS) for Business category stands at 2.4%, up from 2.3% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Operating Systems (OS) for Business Mindshare Distribution
ProductMindshare (%)
Oracle Solaris2.4%
Rocky Linux8.2%
Ubuntu Linux8.0%
Other81.4%
Operating Systems (OS) for Business

PeerResearch reports based on Oracle Solaris reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryOperating Systems (OS) for BusinessMay 7, 2026Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersMay 7, 2026Download
ComparisonOracle Solaris vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)May 7, 2026Download
ComparisonOracle Solaris vs Rocky LinuxMay 7, 2026Download
ComparisonOracle Solaris vs Ubuntu LinuxMay 7, 2026Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
Ubuntu Linux4.38.0%95%151 interviewsAdd to research
Rocky Linux4.38.2%100%18 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

Oracle Solaris is appreciated for its virtualization flexibility, including Zones and LDOMs. It offers exceptional stability, scalability, and security, making it ideal for enterprise environments. ZFS is highly valued for its file management, deduplication, and encryption features. DTrace is favored for real-time troubleshooting. The platform is praised for seamless updates, robust kernel, and predictive self-healing capabilities, enhancing performance and reliability. Users benefit from its efficient resource optimization and minimal overhead integration.
  • "The most valuable feature of Oracle Solaris is the incremental backup that happens in the system."
  • "This product is stable, has good documentation, lots of solutions, a big community, and good support."
  • "This product handles databases well; they run on top of the operating system."

Room for Improvement

Oracle Solaris faces challenges in certification for non-Oracle hardware and needs improvement in user interface, stability, and third-party support. It should enhance compatibility with x86 architecture and open source tools. Better user adaptability and easier installation are necessary, along with enhanced GUI tools. Its high cost, complex setup, and limited training options are concerns. Moreover, expanded monitoring, ZFS features, and a more efficient package management system are desired to improve usability and support.
  • "We had a very hard time reaching out to Oracle support to fix the issue."
  • "The product is very expensive."
  • "This product is not as flexible as other similar solutions on the market today."

ROI

Many users experience high ROI due to Oracle Solaris' integration with the Oracle portfolio, stability, and reduced downtime. Its affordable nature, ease of patching, and troubleshooting are appreciated. Users find it efficient and say it demands less time for maintenance. Some mention audit requirements dictate its use, while others see cost challenges with certain architectures. Performance enhancements and reduced man-hours are common, but pricing and licensing vary per case.

Pricing

Oracle Solaris pricing can be complex and considered expensive compared to other systems like Linux. Organizations appreciate its integration and lifecycle benefits, especially when bundled with Oracle hardware. Licensing can save costs with core reduction using zones and LDOMs. While Solaris itself is free for use, support costs may apply, especially on non-Oracle hardware. Some find the licensing difficult, affecting adoption; however, others see it as affordable and complete. Pricing is generally on an annual basis.
  • "We don't use an authorized license."
  • "As a private user or individual, I wouldn't recommend it to others, considering it is a costly product."
  • "It is an expensive product. I rate the pricing a ten out of ten."

Popular Use Cases

Primary use case of Oracle Solaris includes supporting diverse environments such as databases, virtual machines, and critical applications. It is leveraged by financial institutions, telecoms, and energy companies for its robust management features. Many organizations utilize Oracle Solaris for virtualization, hosting, and database management. Reliable for compute storage, it is commonly used for bank core environments and mission-critical systems. Its integration with applications like WebLogic and FLEXCUBE is particularly valued.

Service and Support

Oracle Solaris customer service is available 24/7, with mixed feedback regarding speed and interaction quality. Support is professional but can be slow due to escalation processes. Users appreciate the online tools and the My Oracle Support portal. Technical support is generally rated positively, with responsiveness and knowledgeable staff, though some find it scripted. Satisfaction varies by geographic location, with past experiences highlighting better Sun support compared to Oracle's current service.

Deployment

Users describe Oracle Solaris's initial setup as straightforward and well-documented, citing the ease of installation, whether pre-installed or using ISO, supported by comprehensive Oracle documentation. While Solaris maintains command consistency for reuse of prior knowledge, some note it may require expertise for complex setups. Migration from other systems poses challenges, yet modern updates simplify processes. With familiarity, configuring features like ZFS becomes easier, though novices may find difficulty without prior experience.

Scalability

Oracle Solaris demonstrates strong scalability, effectively managing vast amounts of data and handling extensive computational tasks. Its vertical scalability allows for expansion to substantial processor counts and large memory capacities. Users notice seamless scaling and minimal issues when utilizing SPARC servers. The operating system adapts well to increased demands, whether for database management or broader IT infrastructure purposes, making it suitable for medium to large enterprises seeking robust scalability features.

Stability

Solaris users describe it as very stable and dependable, citing minimal downtime and crashes. Industry-specific compliments highlight its reliable architecture and effective logging. Though generally free from issues, some note potential stability challenges after system modifications or inadequate planning. Maintenance and support are deemed straightforward, with periodic updates executed smoothly. Reports consistently affirm Solaris as among the most stable operating systems, frequently earning high stability ratings from its user base.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Oracle Solaris Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business16
Midsize Enterprise4
Large Enterprise25
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business134
Midsize Enterprise66
Large Enterprise221
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
14%
Government
9%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Computer Software Company
7%
Hospitality Company
5%
University
5%
Healthcare Company
5%
Comms Service Provider
5%
Marketing Services Firm
4%
Educational Organization
4%
Performing Arts
4%
Outsourcing Company
4%
Retailer
3%
Energy/Utilities Company
3%
Construction Company
3%
Media Company
2%
Wholesaler/Distributor
2%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Transportation Company
1%
Insurance Company
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Recruiting/Hr Firm
1%
Non Profit
1%
Legal Firm
1%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
1%

Compare Oracle Solaris with alternative products

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Learn more about Oracle Solaris

Known for exceptional stability and security, Oracle Solaris integrates seamlessly with enterprise environments, supporting IT operations, database hosting, and virtualization. With built-in virtualization through Zones and LDOMs, it efficiently manages cloud frameworks and virtual machines, especially on SPARC systems. Users benefit from predictive self-healing and high availability, critical for mission-centric systems. However, enhancements in third-party x86 support, GUI improvements, and more Linux-like usability would broaden its appeal. Improved documentation, marketing efforts on product continuity, and robust hardware support across platforms would further strengthen its position.

What are Oracle Solaris' most important features?
  • Built-in Virtualization: Utilize Zones and LDOMs for efficient server management.
  • Exceptional Stability: Ensure systems remain operational under demanding workloads.
  • Comprehensive Security: Safeguard data with robust protocols.
  • ZFS File Management: Manage files efficiently across systems.
  • DTrace: Troubleshoot system issues effectively.
  • Live Upgrade: Minimize downtime during updates.
  • Predictive Self-Healing: Enhance reliability with advanced system diagnostics.
What benefits and ROI should users look for in reviews?
  • High Availability: Keep mission-critical systems running smoothly.
  • Scalability: Expand capabilities within diverse server environments.
  • Robust Performance: Handle intense workloads with ease.
  • Database Compatibility: Seamlessly integrate with enterprise applications.
  • Efficient Resource Management: Improved CPU and memory usage reporting.

Oracle Solaris sees strong implementation in industries like banking, CRM, telecom, and manufacturing. It supports database applications and core banking solutions while managing critical applications with strong system management capabilities. Its use in handling environments like Intel and Unix enhances infrastructure benefits, crucial for mission-centric operations.

Oracle Solaris was previously known as Solaris 11, Solaris.

Oracle Solaris customers

Siemens, IVV

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Oracle Solaris Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Head Of IT at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees4.5I've used Oracle Solaris for over 16 years in banking and enterprise environments, appreciating its stability, CLI/GUI flexibility, and strong performance, though I believe security and firewall features could still be improved for better protection.
SR AVP–Presales Cloud & Platform Management Services at Path Infotech ltd4.5I've used Oracle Solaris for over 20 years and found it stable, secure, and ideal for large organizations, though costly and complex for smaller ones. With its discontinuation, I now recommend switching to Oracle Linux.
System specialist at Savecore4.0I've used Oracle Solaris primarily for general IT operations and appreciate its stability, predictive self-healing, and scalability, though usability and ZFS flexibility could improve. Setup is straightforward, and it's cost-effective with strong security and virtualization features.
Technology Consultant at Clarinox Technologies Kenya4.0I tested Oracle Solaris on a regular PC and found it user-friendly with a lightweight, dark-themed interface. While it improved performance, its compatibility with office tools like Excel needs enhancement. Previously, I used Windows systems for similar tasks.
Network Administrator at Mzansi Security and Fire5.0In my company, Oracle Solaris integrates with our CRM, offering excellent security and user-friendliness. Despite its complexity, which could be simplified, its ability to facilitate immediate verification and integration with Home Affairs makes it valuable.
System specialist at Savecore4.5I use Oracle Solaris for mission-critical systems due to its excellent performance, reliability, and stability, especially with databases and applications. The ZFS file system is valuable, although Oracle's lack of development resources is a drawback.
Customer Delivery Manager at SII3.0I use Oracle Solaris as an internal operating system. While it meets our needs, setting it up can be complex due to the number of commands required compared to other systems. I haven't considered other solutions or cloud providers yet.
Senior Infrastructure Specialist at a financial services firm with 11-50 employees4.5I manage diverse systems totaling around 250 and appreciate Solaris Zones and Containers. However, I'm concerned about the lack of updates beyond version 11.4. Despite my Unix expertise, I chose Solaris for its opportunities but seek version progression.