Apache vs. Microsoft IIS: What is the right choice?

For the operator of a website with a commercial interest, it is often necessary to choose an ideal web server if it is not provided by the provider as part of a Managed Server or web hosting directly by the operator. Apache and Microsoft IIS not only represent two different applications, but also different concepts. Microsoft IIS, as a provider, consistently uses closed, proprietary code to prevent users from using the software without a license or exposing security vulnerabilities publicly. In contrast, Apache is subject to its own open-source license, which, in conjunction with other open-source software, allows for free access and almost unrestricted use as a web server.

What characterises Apache as a web server?

The development of Apache dates back to the early days of the internet and is inspired by the idea of open-source code, similar to the Linux Kernel. This combination of Linux, Apache, MySQL for the database, and PHP (LAMP) has become the standard since the turn of the millennium for delivering websites to clients from various regions. For over a decade, Apache was considered the universal solution for web hosting, attributed to numerous advantages:

• Complete infrastructure subject to open licenses with freely available source code
• Modular design allows integration of official and custom plugins
• Extensive communities and support through numerous forums
• Support for proprietary and open-source software
• Easy local configuration through .htaccess files
• High stability and security in various environments
• Continuous development and prompt response to updates
• Long-term support regardless of the operating system (OS) used

It's no wonder that most web hosting providers rely on LAMP to offer their customers a reliable and secure web server.

What are the features of the IIS web server?

Alongside Apple, Microsoft Windows is among the pioneers that established graphical user interfaces (GUI) for computer operation. For products used as web servers on the internet, the company provides the Internet Information Services (IIS), which are an integral part of Microsoft Windows Server. Other versions like Windows 10 and 11 allow for post-installation if IIS is needed for services on the network. In contrast to Apache or other web servers like NGINX and LiteSpeed, IIS supports multiple standards simultaneously, which also include file transfers via FTP or communication through POP3 for emails. Specific features of IIS include:

• Operating system and web server are subject to a closed, proprietary license
• Configuration via graphical interface instead of text files
• Support for various protocols such as FTP, POP3, and WebDAV
• Requires payment, included in all versions of Microsoft Windows Server
• Not possible to use .htaccess
• Commercial support included in the license from Microsoft
• Seamless integration of MSSQL, .NET Framework, and Visual Studio

Microsoft IIS is particularly popular among small and medium-sized businesses because the web server simplifies configuration and programming, and offers the possibility to use a homogeneous IT infrastructure.

What are the differences between Apache and IIS?

With correct configuration, both Apache and Microsoft IIS offer good performance and high security, covering these areas satisfactorily with both web server variants. Therefore, the major differences in the Apache vs. IIS debate lie more in financial aspects and in integration into development, programming languages used, and software employed. It is also worth noting that the performance of a Virtual Private Server or Dedicated Server with a graphical interface will inevitably decrease as it consumes resources such as memory and processing power. There is no general recommendation for Apache or IIS: the decision for the optimal web server largely depends on the specific situation and individual priorities.

For a detailed comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of other web server variants, also consider:

Apache vs. Nginx
Apache vs. LiteSpeed
Nginx vs. LiteSpeed

Our article is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from external sources.

Sources & further links on the topic:
https://httpd.apache.org/ (official website of the Apache Web Server)
https://www.iis.net/ (official website of the Microsoft IIS Web Server)

Image credit:
Gerd Altmann on Pixabay