Explore our Windows Server-compatible dedicated servers
All of our dedicated servers can be used with the latest version of Windows. This delivers the reliability of a popular operating system, as well as a panel of ready-to-use operating systems for your business. You get an easy-to-use web hosting space for your business applications, with efficient network management, along with services that track the progress of your activity. Manage your projects in a dedicated Windows environment, designed for professional usage on a dedicated server.
The fundamentals of Windows Server
Windows Server is a robust server platform, widely used for its performance and versatility in diverse enterprise environments. As an operating system designed specifically for networks, data storage, and web applications, Windows Server helps optimise the management of your IT resources while ensuring the security and stability of your infrastructure.
What is Windows Server used for?
The primary role of Windows Server is to provide a solid foundation for enterprise IT and application management. This platform enables you to install and manage multiple software products and applications, including SQL Server for database management and Active Directory for user and network resource management. Windows Server also offers extensive capabilities for virtualisation with Hyper-V, allowing organisations to create virtual machines to optimise their resources and network (such as Remote Desktop Services or RDS). Recent versions of Windows Server also include significant improvements in security, container management, and cloud interoperability, making it a preferred choice for demanding work environments.
Who uses Windows Server?
Windows Server is used by a variety of users, ranging from small and medium businesses to large multinational corporations. IT administrators, software developers, and IT security professionals are among the main users of Windows Server. They make use of its advanced features to host websites, manage databases, and run critical business applications. And with flexible licensing options and the ability to handle heavy workloads, Windows Server is also a popular choice in education and government, where effective data management and security are paramount.
Why choose an OVHcloud Windows dedicated server?
Windows environment
One of the main advantages of a Windows dedicated server is that it delivers a familiar environment for users. Its use is more intuitive, which saves time compared to other operating systems, such as Linux. Windows Server is adapted to suit the needs of companies wishing to focus on their core business. The Windows operating system ensures a smooth management of business-critical data and applications.
Scalability
Server scalability and your company’s overall infrastructure are crucial factors when it comes to choosing your products. Windows Server natively offers a number of solutions to support your evolving IT needs. The Hyper-V hypervisor allows you to manage your workloads efficiently, optimising the use of your servers’ disk space, RAM, CPUs and bandwidth. It can also be used in synergy with RDS, maximising your operational efficiency while delivering an improved and secure user experience.
Security
The Windows Server operating system is designed for business usage, and is equipped with an elaborate security system to minimise potential intrusions and damage to your infrastructure. Applications are isolated to protect asses such as your critical databases, and your network is controlled for maximum security. It is perfect for hosting business web applications, and comes with robust backup systems.
Windows Server Standard Edition
The Standard Edition license is designed for small and medium-sized businesses with moderate virtualisation needs. This means you get a maximum of two virtual machines, with one Hyper-V host per license, for unlimited Windows container creation.
Windows Server Datacenter Edition
Offering more functionality than the standard edition, the Datacenter Edition license is ideal for companies with advanced virtualisation needs. It authorises an unlimited number of virtual machines, with one Hyper-V host per licence. This edition includes Hyper-V Host Guardian support, which allows you to use shielded VMs for enhanced security. You can use any type of container, and there are no limits to the number of containers you can use.
Windows licences and pricing
When you place an order, you can choose between two types of Windows Server licences: Standard edition and Datacenter edition. You can also order a licence directly via your OVHcloud Control Panel. The price of a Windows dedicated server depends on the server, as well as the type of licence you choose.
Installing and managing your Windows server
Efficiently installing and managing your Windows server is essential for maximising the performance and security of your IT infrastructure. Here’s how to start and manage your Windows server with OVHcloud.
How do I deploy Windows Server on my infrastructure?
Windows Server is an operating system that can be installed on physical machines in your datacentre or deployed as a virtual server in the cloud. At OVHcloud, you can choose between installing Windows Server directly on your dedicated server, or using it on a virtual machine via our cloud service. This flexibility enables organisations of all sizes to take advantage of the resilience of Windows Server, regardless of their location or infrastructure.
How do I install Windows Server?
Installing Windows Server on a dedicated server at OVHcloud is a simple and straightforward process. Once you have chosen your server and the appropriate license, you can begin the installation by following a few steps.
- Access the OVHcloud Control Panel: log into the Control Panel and select the server on which you want to install Windows Server.
- Configure your server: configure the basic settings, such as selecting your operating system (in this case Windows Server). You can choose between different versions, Standard edition or Datacenter edition, depending on your virtualisation and management needs.
- Launch the installation: once the configuration is complete, launch the installation. OVHcloud will automate the installation process, ensuring that the operating system is correctly installed with all necessary security and management features enabled.
- Customisation and management: after installation, you can customise your server to your specific needs, install additional applications, and configure network and security settings.
Maximise your Windows dedicated server potential with OVHcloud
Harness the full power of your Windows dedicated server thanks to OVHcloud’s advanced solutions. With extensive customisation options such as RDS, network management services and dedicated technical support, we are committed to providing a powerful and secure platform to host your critical applications, manage your high-volume data, and support your business growth. Whether you operate a website, SQL database, or business applications, your OVHcloud Windows dedicated server is designed to deliver performance, reliability, and scalability.
Your questions answered
How can OVHcloud’s Windows dedicated servers improve the performance of business applications?
OVHcloud Windows Dedicated Servers are designed to deliver optimal performance, thanks to their high-end hardware architecture and advanced network configuration. They support intensive operations such as large databases, real-time transaction processing, and applications that require high availability. What’s more, OVHcloud enables dedicated resources (CPU, RAM, bandwidth) to be allocated, ensuring that business applications run smoothly and efficiently, without the latencies often encountered in shared environments.
What customisation options does OVHcloud offer for Windows dedicated servers?
OVHcloud offers a wide range of customisation options for its Windows dedicated servers, allowing users to choose the type and quantity of hardware resources according to their specific needs. Customers can select from a variety of processor configurations, RAM quantities, and storage capabilities, including SSDs for increased performance. OVHcloud also offers operating system options, pre-installed versions of Windows Server, and additional software for a turnkey experience tailored to a range of business needs.
Can I migrate existing applications to a Windows dedicated server with OVHcloud?
Yes, it is possible to migrate existing applications to a Windows dedicated server with OVHcloud. There are tools and support services available to help you with this migration. To do this, we first evaluate your applications to make sure they are compatible with the Windows Server environment. We then offer managed migration services, where our specialists take charge of the migration, ensuring secure data transfers and minimising downtime. You can also get advice on how to optimise your applications post-migration.
What guarantees does OVHcloud offer in terms of availability and reliability for Windows dedicated servers?
OVHcloud is committed to providing high availability and reliability for all of its Windows dedicated servers. This is supported by service level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee high operational availability, often above 99.9%. Our datacentres are equipped with redundancy systems for power supply and network connectivity, as well as advanced physical and cyber security measures to protect customer infrastructure and data.
What specific security measures does OVHcloud implement for Windows dedicated servers?
We take security very seriously, especially for Windows dedicated servers, which often host critical data and applications. Our robust security measures include our advanced anti-DDoS protection, configurable firewalls and full server isolation. We also offer automatic backup and snapshot options, allowing for fast recovery in the event of a loss of data. Regular audits, proactive security updates, and a dedicated security support team are also in place to ensure your servers remain protected against new vulnerabilities and threats.