IIS vs. Apache — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 14, 2024
IIS is tightly integrated with Windows and supports .NET natively, while Apache is more flexible, open-source, and widely used across various operating systems.
Difference Between IIS and Apache
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Internet Information Services (IIS) is a web server software created by Microsoft, primarily designed for use with Windows Server operating systems. It offers deep integration with other Microsoft services and products, especially in handling ASP.NET applications efficiently. Apache, on the other hand, is an open-source web server developed by the Apache Software Foundation and is known for its versatility, supporting a wide range of operating systems including Linux, Windows, and UNIX.
While IIS is configured predominantly through a graphical user interface (GUI), making it more user-friendly for those accustomed to Windows environments, Apache is typically configured via direct editing of configuration files, offering more granular control which is preferred by advanced users. This configurational flexibility makes Apache a favorite among developers and system administrators.
Apache serves as a cornerstone in the LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) stack, commonly used for hosting websites and web applications. IIS, while it can support PHP, is more commonly used with Microsoft's own technologies like ASP.NET, making it ideal for delivering applications built on these frameworks.
Performance-wise, Apache offers a modular architecture that can be optimized with various modules to enhance performance and functionality. IIS, while traditionally seen as less performant than Apache for static content, has significantly improved in recent years with advancements in Windows Server technology.
In terms of market share and community support, Apache has historically dominated the web server landscape, though IIS holds a significant presence in enterprises that rely heavily on Microsoft ecosystems. Both benefit from extensive documentation and community support, although Apache's open-source nature gives it a broader base of community-generated resources and modules.
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Comparison Chart
Operating System
Windows
Cross-platform (Linux, UNIX, Windows)
Configuration
GUI and command line
Configuration files
Integration
Strong with Microsoft products
Broad, with various open-source technologies
Usage Scenario
Best for .NET and Windows-specific applications
Preferred in LAMP stack for diverse applications
Community Support
Strong within Microsoft ecosystems
Very large, open-source community
Compare with Definitions
Iis
Primarily used in environments heavily invested in Microsoft technologies.
IIS is a common choice for businesses using other Microsoft server products.
Apache
Serves as the A in the LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) stack.
Apache is integral to many open-source web application environments.
Iis
Configured mainly through a graphical management console.
Administrators use IIS Manager to configure and manage the server.
Apache
Supports a wide variety of operating systems, including Linux and Windows.
Apache is commonly installed on Ubuntu servers.
Iis
A web server software package designed for Windows Servers.
IIS is often used to host ASP.NET applications in corporate environments.
Apache
Configured through direct editing of text-based configuration files.
Apache’s httpd.conf file contains settings that control server operations.
Iis
Includes features for detailed health and performance monitoring.
IIS provides advanced tools for monitoring web applications' performance.
Apache
A free, open-source web server software.
Apache powers many of the world's most popular websites.
Iis
Supports high-level integration with Windows authentication and other Windows services.
IIS seamlessly integrates with Windows Active Directory for authentication.
Apache
The Apache () are a group of culturally related Native American tribes in the Southwestern United States, which include the Chiricahua, Jicarilla, Lipan, Mescalero, Mimbreño, Ndendahe (Bedonkohe or Mogollon and Nednhi or Carrizaleño and Janero), Salinero, Plains (Kataka or Semat or "Kiowa-Apache") and Western Apache (Aravaipa, Pinaleño, Coyotero, Tonto). Distant cousins of the Apache are the Navajo, with whom they share the Southern Athabaskan languages.
Iis
The most notorious and possibly the most important arm of Iraq's security system;
The Iraqi Mukhabarat has been involved in numerous terrorist activities
Apache
A member of a Native American people inhabiting the southwest United States and northern Mexico. Various Apache tribes offered strong resistance to encroachment on their territory in the latter half of the 19th century. Present-day Apache populations are located in Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
Apache
Any of the Apachean languages of the Apache.
Apache
A member of the Parisian underworld.
Apache
Alternative case form of Apache, a Parisian gangster.
Apache
Any member of Athapaskan tribes that migrated to the southwestern desert (from Arizona to Texas and south into Mexico); fought a losing battle from 1861 to 1886 with the United States and were resettled in Oklahoma
Apache
A Parisian gangster
Apache
The language of the Apache people
Apache
Offers extensive customization through modules.
Mod_rewrite and mod_ssl enhance Apache’s URL rewriting and security capabilities.
Common Curiosities
What is the primary difference between IIS and Apache?
The primary difference is that IIS is a Windows-based web server software with deep integration with other Microsoft products, while Apache is an open-source web server that operates across various OS platforms.
Is Apache free to use?
Yes, Apache is open-source and free to use under the Apache License 2.0.
How do IIS and Apache handle security?
Both IIS and Apache offer strong security features. IIS integrates tightly with Windows security models, while Apache provides configurable security modules.
Which web server is better for PHP applications?
Apache is generally preferred for PHP applications, especially as part of the LAMP stack, although IIS can also support PHP.
Can Apache serve .NET applications?
While Apache is not natively designed to serve .NET applications, it can do so with additional modules like mod_mono in a limited capacity.
Can IIS run on Linux or macOS?
No, IIS is specifically designed for Windows Server environments and does not run on Linux or macOS.
What makes Apache more flexible than IIS?
Apache’s modular design and its ability to run on various operating systems make it more flexible than IIS.
What are the licensing costs for IIS?
There are no direct costs for IIS itself, but it requires a Windows Server license to run, which has associated costs.
Which server is easier to manage for beginners?
IIS might be easier for beginners, especially those familiar with Windows, due to its GUI-based management tools.
Can I switch from IIS to Apache easily?
Switching involves several steps and considerations, especially related to different operating systems and configurations, making it not necessarily straightforward.
How does community support compare between IIS and Apache?
Apache benefits from a larger, open-source community that contributes a wide range of modules and documentation, whereas IIS’s community is more focused within Microsoft-centric environments.
Does IIS support virtual hosting like Apache?
Yes, IIS supports virtual hosting, allowing multiple websites to run on the same server.
How do I choose between IIS and Apache for a new web project?
The choice depends on the specific technologies and platforms you plan to use, your familiarity with Windows or Linux, and your specific server needs.
What is the best feature of Apache that IIS lacks?
Apache’s best feature is its modular architecture, allowing for extensive customization and optimization, which IIS lacks to a degree.
Which server performs better under high traffic?
Performance can depend highly on how each server is configured, but Apache's ability to handle high traffic efficiently with the right modules is well noted.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
