Choosing the right web server is crucial for hosting websites, and applications, and managing online traffic. Two of the most prominent options are Microsoft’s Internet Information Services (IIS) and the open-source Apache HTTP Server. IIS, a proprietary solution, excels in Windows environments, offering seamless integration with other Microsoft tools like .NET and ASPX. Its user-friendly interface and strong security updates make it a strong choice for enterprises heavily invested in Microsoft ecosystems.
On the other hand, Apache is renowned for its flexibility and open-source nature, making it a cost-effective option for a wide range of environments, including Linux. It supports various scripting languages like PHP, Python, and Perl and is highly customizable through modules. Apache is often a go-to choice for developers looking for versatility and community-driven support.
Both servers have their strengths. IIS is optimized for handling media-rich websites and enterprise applications, benefiting from Microsoft’s continuous updates and strong customer support. Conversely, Apache’s cross-platform compatibility and open-source community make it ideal for startups and businesses that prioritize flexibility and cost savings.
This article provides an in-depth comparison of IIS and Apache, examining their features, performance, and use cases to help you determine which web server best aligns with your needs.
Internet Information Services (IIS)
Microsoft’s IIS has a lot to recommend it. Although it is a proprietary system, it is based on a number of publicly-available protocols, which include the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), and the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). So, the underlying technology of this system is compatible with standard Web interfaces all over the world.
The software is backed by Microsoft and is frequently patched and updated to close off new hacker exploits. The security features of IIS have made it a safer option than Apache. As a commercial product, IIS competes in the marketplace with new developments that meet the needs of marketers. The tool is geared towards sales, which means it isn’t free to use. However, there is a limited free version, called IIS Express. The standard version of IIS is bundled in with Windows Server.
A huge advantage of IIS is that it integrates with other Microsoft offerings, specifically .NET and the ASPX scripting language. Also, the management console is very slick and includes in-depth performance and analysis reports. In short, the choice of a Web server produced by a major software provider gets you a solid guarantee of cutting-edge security patches and an expectation of marketing-led features.
The biggest detraction of IIS is that it is proprietary and not free to use. Another major factor that may make you decide not to opt for IIS is that it only works on Windows environments. If you have already bought a Linux server, then you just can’t use IIS.
Apache HTTP Server
The Apache option is free to use and is an open-source project. These two factors are great for keeping your startup costs down, but it also means that the Apache Foundation doesn’t have any money available to fund development.
The development of Apache is all performed by enthusiast volunteers. You don’t get access to a help desk for assistance if you face problems getting any part of the HTTP Server to work. However, there is an extensive user and enthusiast community on the Web and this channel provides a constant stream of tips and updated warnings on how to get the best out of the Server system. The open-source management of this option means you can comb through the code yourself and even adapt the software to produce your own customized implementation.
Apache isn’t restricted to one operating system. However, it is better suited to the Linux environment. So much so that it has become part of a bundle of Web services solutions that are known as LAMP. This acronym stands for Linux for the operating system, Apache for the Web server, MySQL for the database management system, and PHP for scripting. This is regarded as the “out of the box” Web server solution and was the industry leader for a very long time. IIS has only recently overtaken Apache as the leading Web server system. You aren’t limited to PHP for scripting with Apache HTTP Server because it also supports Perl and Python.
The core Apache can be extended to add on Transport Layer Security and cover HTTPS. Another add-on will give you FTP delivery capabilities.
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Making a choice
If your website is media-rich, you would probably be better off opting for IIS. The server integrates with other Microsoft products and has better methods of dealing with audio and video playback. Another reason that IIS would be better for media sites is that it uses a lot less processing resources for each connection and media file transmission can use up a lot of processing time.
For portability, you would be better off with Apache HTTP Server. If you expect to trade in your server hardware any time soon, the operating system independence of Apache extends your purchasing options. Apache HTTP Server can operate on Windows as well as Linux.
The reason that these two systems have very close market share is that there is very little difference between the two in terms of vulnerabilities and performance. There are many test results available on the Web that show that either one or the other has better response times. However, the results are usually very close and the winner in those tests usually turns out to be the system that the tester favored from the very beginning.
The Web developer community is very clearly divided along the lines of Apache and IIS because programmers become adept in one language and one environment and employers don’t encourage them to cross over. So, your choice of Web server may lock you into one skills pool.
The biggest influence on your choice between these two systems will be your existing hardware and software resources. If you are a startup with no premises or equipment right now, you are free to choose either of these systems. If you already have equipment that runs Linux, you are more likely to opt for Apache HTTP Server. Although Apache can run on Windows, if you already have your business based on Microsoft products, you already have onsite skills that are more compatible with IIS than Apache.
Getting your business online
If you don’t already have onsite resources, then you are open to the option of Cloud-based Web servers. A big advantage of these services is that they will include the server software. So then your decision-making will be based on pricing structures, scalability, and other services bundled in with the Web server.
Decision making is a difficult task and the fact that there is little differentiation in performance between IIS and Apache actually makes the choice even harder. However, there is an upside to this similarity. Both of these systems are well-established and widely-used. Therefore, there is little risk that whichever of these two you use that you would have made the “wrong” choice.
IIS vs Apache FAQs
What is difference between IIS and Apache?
Some differences between IIS and Apache are:
IIS is a proprietary system owned by Microsoft, while Apache HTTP Server is an open source system. The big influence that this difference has on the two Web server systems is that Microsoft integrates its Web server into the Windows operating system and it is already a part of Windows Server. Apache HTTP Server was designed to run in Unix and Unix-like systems, which includes macOS and Linux. However, it is also available for Windows. Both systems are free to use.
Which is more secure IIS or Apache?
The question of whether IIS or Apache HTTP Server is more secure is a very controversial topic and you will read plenty of statements that one is more secure than the other. The fact is, both are equally secure if used properly. The greatest threat to application security comes from new exploits that hackers discover every day. As soon as these weaknesses are triggered in a new attack, the creators of the software discover them and produce an update to close down the security loophole. Microsoft is very strong at producing patches and the Apache team is very aware of the importance of its Web server and makes resources available to quickly produce updates when weaknesses are discovered.
Can IIS run on Linux?
Internet Information Services (IIS) is a Microsoft product and it was designed to run on Windows. The package is bundled into Windows Server and owners of a computer running Windows 10 can download and use IIS for free. There is no version of IIS for Linux.
IIS is 11%. The rest shows almost and even split between Apache, slightly higher than NGINX. However, those numbers are often skewed because NGINX is often used as a reverse proxy or load balancer, so Apache is still king by quite a bit.