Microsoft IIS vs Apache HTTP Server : Which is Better?

Microsoft IIS icon

Microsoft IIS

Internet Information Services (IIS) is an extensible web server. Developed by Microsoft IIS.NET Team

License: Commercial

Categories: Development

Apps available for Windows

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Apache HTTP Server icon

Apache HTTP Server

Apache HTTP Server, colloquially called Apache, is the world's most used web server software. Developed by The Apache Software Foundation

License: Open Source

Categories: Network & Admin

Apps available for Mac OS X Windows Linux BSD

Microsoft IIS VS Apache HTTP Server

Microsoft IIS is a Windows-only web server that offers strong integration with other Microsoft products, making it ideal for .NET applications. In contrast, Apache HTTP Server is open-source, highly customizable, and cross-platform, making it suitable for a wide range of applications and environments.

Microsoft IIS

Pros:

  • Tight integration with Windows Server
  • User-friendly graphical user interface (GUI)
  • Strong security features
  • Support for .NET applications
  • Good performance with ASP.NET

Cons:

  • Limited to Windows operating systems
  • Higher licensing costs
  • Less flexible compared to Apache
  • Dependency on Microsoft ecosystem
  • Less community-driven

Apache HTTP Server

Pros:

  • Open-source and free to use
  • Highly customizable and flexible
  • Extensive community support
  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • Robust module support for various functionalities

Cons:

  • Complex configuration for beginners
  • Performance may degrade under heavy loads
  • Less integrated with Windows features
  • Requires more manual setup for all functionalities
  • Limited built-in GUI tools

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