Windows Server Essentials vs Windows Server 2019

Struggling to choose between Windows Server Essentials and Windows Server 2019? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Windows Server Essentials is a Network & Admin solution with tags like windows, microsoft, small-business, file-sharing, print-sharing, backup, remote-access, centralized-management.

It boasts features such as File and printer sharing, Remote desktop access, PC backup, Shared folders, Email server, VPN access, Centralized device management and pros including Easy to set up and manage, Good for small businesses, Integrates with Office 365, Remote access capabilities, Automatic PC backup.

On the other hand, Windows Server 2019 is a Network & Admin product tagged with server, operating-system, microsoft, windows, enterprise, datacenter, hybrid-cloud.

Its standout features include Windows Admin Center - Browser-based management console, Hyper-V virtualization, Software-defined networking, Storage Spaces Direct, Shielded virtual machines, Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection, Just Enough Administration, Expanded container support with Kubernetes and Docker, and it shines with pros like Enhanced security features, Improved hybrid capabilities, Increased scalability, Built-in virtualization, Efficient server management, Support for Kubernetes and containers.

Feature	Windows Server Essentials	Windows Server 2019
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Network & Admin	Network & Admin

Product Overview

Windows Server Essentials

Description: Windows Server Essentials is a simplified server operating system from Microsoft aimed at small businesses. It provides core server features like file and printer sharing, backup, remote access, and centralized management.

Windows Server 2019

Description: Windows Server 2019 is Microsoft's server operating system that provides enterprise-grade datacenter and hybrid cloud capabilities. It includes enhanced security and hybrid capabilities for integrating on-premises infrastructure with cloud services.

Key Features Comparison

Windows Server Essentials Features

• File and printer sharing
• Remote desktop access
• PC backup
• Shared folders
• Email server
• VPN access
• Centralized device management

Windows Server 2019 Features

• Windows Admin Center - Browser-based management console
• Hyper-V virtualization
• Software-defined networking
• Storage Spaces Direct
• Shielded virtual machines
• Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection
• Just Enough Administration
• Expanded container support with Kubernetes and Docker

Pros & Cons Analysis

Windows Server Essentials

Pros

• Easy to set up and manage
• Good for small businesses
• Integrates with Office 365
• Remote access capabilities
• Automatic PC backup

Cons

• Limited to 25 users and 50 devices
• Less features than full Windows Server
• Requires separate CALs for remote access
• No hypervisors included
• Limited expandability

Windows Server 2019

Pros

• Enhanced security features
• Improved hybrid capabilities
• Increased scalability
• Built-in virtualization
• Efficient server management
• Support for Kubernetes and containers

Cons

• Expensive licensing costs
• Complex to configure fully
• Requires robust hardware
• Not open source
• Limited to Windows environments

Pricing Comparison

Windows Server Essentials

• Subscription-Based

Windows Server 2019

• Subscription-Based