Depending on the data source, these two web server platforms comprise a virtual triumvirate with Nginx for control of the market.
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 benefitted 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.
Which is the better choice for you?
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 dealing with audio and video playback. It also uses a lot less 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 the cyber threat landscape, 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 onsite capabilities that are more compatible with IIS than Apache.
In conclusion, both Apache and IIS have their pros and cons. Several factors determine which one to use.
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 in making the right decision.
