IIS vs. Apache is an ongoing debate, each with its ups and downs. While IIS is a proprietary solution that excels in Windows environments, Apache is renowned for its flexibility and open-source nature.
This blog provides an in-depth comparison of IIS vs Apache to help you determine which web server best aligns with your needs.
What is IIS?
Internet Information Services (IIS) is a proprietary web server software from Microsoft and an integral part of Windows Server 2022. IIS stands out for its seamless integration with other Microsoft products, such as .NET and ASPX.
It offers a streamlined experience, particularly for those already immersed in the Microsoft ecosystem with a user-friendly interface and reliable cyber security metrics updates that make it a strong choice for enterprises.
As a core Microsoft product, it only runs and is bundled on Windows operating systems.
Even though development is not as open and quick as the open-source user-supported nature of Apache, it has benefited from Microsoft’s formidable support and development resources. It is one of the few Microsoft products that can stand toe-to-toe with its open-source rival.
The software is frequently patched and updated to close off new hacker exploits. The security features of IIS have made it a safer option than Apache. Another plus is that the management console is very slick and includes in-depth performance and analysis reports.
What is Apache?
Apache is an iconic open-source web server, with a proud history stretching more than 20 years in the open-source community. The Apache HTTP web server is a free, open-source web server software managed by the Apache Software Foundation. Furthermore, it protects against cyber threats such as ransomware attacks.
It is an integral part of the LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) stack, and the open-source license means users can edit the underlying code to tweak performance and contribute to the future development of the program. You can even adapt the software to produce your own customized implementation.
Apache’s incredible power, flexibility, and seamless compatibility with various operating systems have made it a popular choice in the world of web servers. However, it does not perform as well on Windows and is better suited to the Linux environment.
As the development of Apache is performed by volunteers, there is no easy access to a help desk for assistance. The extensive user and enthusiast community on the Web provides a constant stream of tips and updated warnings on how to get the best out of the Server system.
While there was a time when Apache dominated the web server market, today IIS vs Apache are now virtually tied for a market share of installations.
Apache boasts an impressive repertoire of features that extend the core functionality. These range from server-side programming language support to authentication schemes. Another notable feature is web page compression to reduce their size over HTTP.
Unlike many of its competitors, which are event-based or asynchronous in design, Apache is a process-based server. Each concurrent connection in a process-based server necessitates its own thread, which results in a substantial overhead. In contrast, an asynchronous server processes requests in one or a small number of threads and is event-driven.
IIS vs Apache: A Comparison
| Features | IIS | Apache |
| Supported OS | Windows | Linux, Unix, Windows, macOS |
| User support & fixes | Corporate support | Community support |
| Cost | Free, but bundled with Windows | Completely free |
| Development | Closed, proprietary | Open source |
| Security | Excellent | Good |
| Performance | Good | Good |
| Market share | 32% | 42% |
IIS vs Apache- Which is the better choice for you?
While people are always debating IIS vs Apache, there is very little difference between the two in terms of vulnerabilities and performance, which is why the choice depends on the requirements of your application.
If your website is media-rich, then you are better off with IIS, as its seamless integration with other Microsoft products allows for better handling of audio and video playback. It also uses a lot fewer processing resources for each connection, and media file transmission can use up a lot of processing time.
If you are looking for portability, then you should go with the Apache HTTP Server. The operating system independence of Apache extends your purchasing options and is great for trade.
When it comes to security, IIS has suffered over the years from the general state of security in the Windows ecosystem. Hackers spend a good deal of their efforts exploiting and breaching Windows. Apache requires just as much attention when it comes to securing your database.
Your current hardware and software resources will have the largest impact on your decision between these two systems. You can choose either of these systems if you are a startup without any equipment or premises at this time. You are more likely to choose Apache HTTP Server if you already have Linux-powered equipment. On the other hand, if your company is already built on Microsoft products, you already have on-site capabilities that are more compatible with IIS than Apache.
Is IIS or Apache Easier to Use?
IIS is often thought to be easier to use, especially for people familiar with the Windows environment, because to its graphical user interface (GUI) and strong interaction with Microsoft products. Apache, while strong, frequently requires manual configuration via text files, which might be difficult for newcomers. However, Apache has a strong community and abundant documentation to help users navigate configuration complexity.
How Do IIS and Apache Differ in Licensing Costs and Enterprise Support?
Apache is a well-established and widely respected open-source web server, with a legacy spanning over two decades within the open-source community. Distributed under the permissive Apache License 2.0 by the Apache Software Foundation, it is completely free to use, modify, and share without any royalty obligations or licensing fees. Apache continues to rank among the most widely used web servers globally and has even influenced alternatives like OpenBSD’s Httpd.
In contrast, Microsoft’s IIS (Internet Information Services) server involves a more intricate and costly licensing structure. While IIS Server Express is available as a free download for developers to build and test applications in a lightweight environment, full-scale testing and deployment require a licensed version of IIS. This is bundled with Windows Server, whose cost can vary significantly, depending on the edition and the number of CPU cores in use.
Does IIS or Apache Have Better Security?
Apache is known for its transparency and flexibility due to its open-source nature. With a large global community constantly reviewing and updating the codebase, security vulnerabilities are often discovered and patched rapidly. This collaborative environment allows for quick identification of risks, but it also places more responsibility on the server administrator to stay updated with patches and configuration best practices.
IIS, on the other hand, offers a more integrated security approach within the Windows Server ecosystem. Security features such as built-in request filtering, dynamic IP restrictions, and integration with Active Directory provide a strong baseline. For organizations already using Microsoft infrastructure, IIS can be seamlessly tied into centralized security policies and controls. This is imperative in the context of the future of cybersecurity.
With proper setup, both can provide robust, enterprise-grade protection.
Does IIS or Apache Have Better Performance?
When it comes to performance, both IIS and Apache are capable of delivering high-speed, reliable web hosting, but their performance can vary depending on the environment, workload, and configuration.
IIS tends to perform exceptionally well in Windows-based environments, especially when hosting ASP.NET applications or integrating with other Microsoft technologies like SQL Server or Active Directory.
On the other hand, Apache is highly flexible and performs well across multiple operating systems, including Linux, Unix, and Windows. It handles static content efficiently and can be tuned extensively to optimize performance for specific workloads. However, out-of-the-box, Apache may require more manual tuning for high-traffic environments compared to IIS. Additionally, Apache’s modular architecture can lead to performance trade-offs if too many modules are enabled or improperly configured.
For Microsoft-centric environments, IIS often has the edge, while Apache offers more flexibility and cross-platform adaptability.
In conclusion, when talking about IIS vs Apache, both have their pros and cons. Determining which one to use is determined by several factors.
The final choice may well be a compromise dictated by whichever solution meets as many of your must-have needs as possible.
Connect with the experts at Cybershield IT to learn more about these servers and how we can guide you to make the right decision.
