Organizations deploying bare metal have a major decision to make when choosing the operating system for their server. They must choose between Microsoft's Windows Server platform and Linux, the open-source alternative. Determining which option is best for your organization requires an understanding of each environment, its capabilities and potential drawbacks.
In this blog post, we will examine these two distinct platforms side-by-side in order to help organizations reach an informed decision on whether Linux or Windows is more suitable for their unique set of requirements.
Linux Servers Explained
Linux servers are based on the open-source Linux operating system and offer a low cost, strong community support, and open-source code.
Open-source code has become increasingly popular in the tech industry due to its many benefits. Open-source codes are publicly available, making it easier for developers to collaborate and work together on projects without having to license expensive proprietary software.
Additionally, open-source code is typically well-documented with solid support from the community, meaning that experienced developers can quickly get up to speed and make improvements on existing applications. The accessibility of open-source code also makes it more cost effective for organizations to develop their own custom applications as they can avoid expensive licensing fees.
Linux servers are top of the line when it comes to performance, value and reliability. Utilizing an open-source system, their cost is low, relying on a large community for support; the code is accessible for creative development.
With hundreds of vendors able and willing to customize, Linux servers are the perfect solution for your day-to-day tasks with guaranteed results. Their flexibility allows users endless customization options making them adaptable within any industry or domain. Boasting many up front and behind the scenes features that make the development process more efficient.
Advantages of Linux Servers
Linux Servers come with a number of advantages over other server options. For one, there are no additional licensing fees associated with using Linux servers. System administrators can have assurance in the server's security reliability, and the hardware demands for clients which interact with Linux systems are minimal.
Furthermore, system administrators are given great flexibility for customizing their server, allowing them to offer superior services that suit user needs in specific environments.
Finally, thanks to Linux's open-source software compatibility, admins can take advantage of seamless use out on their servers without any compatibility issues.
Windows Servers Explained
Windows servers are server software solutions from Microsoft designed to provide businesses with reliable and secure platform for hosting web applications, databases, file storage, and other services.
Windows servers come with a comprehensive set of features such as Active Directory-based authentication, transparent backup strategies, server clustering for high availability, web application protection layers, and integrated system monitoring capabilities.
These features make it easy for businesses to manage large workloads on the Windows platform and ensure their data remains accessible at all times. Windows servers are also highly customizable and can be tailored to fit the specific needs of any organization.
Advantages of Windows Servers
Windows servers offer an intuitive graphical user interface with out-of-the box functionality that makes them beginner friendly along with easily automated updates that require less admin monitoring and maintenance.
Their advanced security features allow for robust user authentication and authorization options. These features include data encryption, identity management, advanced firewalls and intrusion detection systems, active directory access control lists (ACLs), and application whitelisting.
Furthermore, Windows servers also come with a range of monitoring tools that alert administrators to suspicious activity or potential vulnerabilities within their networks. In addition to these built-in security measures, Windows servers can also be managed with third-party solutions to further secure valuable corporate data and ensure compliance with industry standards.
Windows Servers also provide an unlimited amount of scalability and flexibility, allowing you to customize your server setup to meet the needs of any type of project or environment. With Windows Server, there are a variety of software packages available that enable IT professionals to manage their networks more efficiently and reliably.
Conclusion
Servers are a crucial part of any organization, handling everything from storing data to powering applications and websites. When it comes to choosing a server operating system, Microsoft Windows and Linux are the two most popular options. Both have their pros and cons in terms of cost, admin experience, and specific use cases.
For smaller businesses that need to quickly set up their own server, a Linux-based solution can be more cost effective and easier to manage. However, larger organizations with more complex IT environments may find that the added features and support of a Microsoft server are worth the additional costs and complexity.
Additionally, certain software applications may run better on either Windows or Linux servers, and this should also be taken into account when deciding on the best solution for a business. Ultimately, any decision about servers should take into account factors such as performance, scalability, cost-effectiveness and reliability.
So, which one is right for your business? It really depends on your unique needs. If you’re not sure which way to go, reach out to us for help. Our team of experts can assess your situation and recommend the best solution for your business. Or, if you’d like to see our products in action, schedule a demo today or build your own Cloud RFP.
