Server Comparison

When it comes to server comparison, there are essentially three servers that merit a look: the Apache server, the Unix server, and the Window server. Here is a little information about each of the three.

Apache, in its various servers is far and away the most common server in use today. An Apache server serves the majority of web sites operating today. Noted for its long history of stability, this server is often the measuring stick that is applied to all other servers. The fact is that it is hard to beat Apache. When it comes to any server comparison, Apache influences the process, whether it is expressly mentioned or not.

Unix servers have made some headway the last few years, in part due to offering three levels of server options: basic, premium, and platinum. All three currently carry a 99.8% up-time guarantee and include all the usual features that we were taught to love by Apache, such as decent amounts of disk storage, tape backup, multiple forms of power backup, generous ftp updates, and a decent amount of pop email accounts. Any time that a server comparison takes place, you can be assured that Unix will be mentioned as an up and comer against the wildly popular Apache. It will be interesting to see how the rivalry between these two play out over the next three to five years.

Window Server, which is made available by Microsoft, would on paper appear to be the best choice. After all, with a support system like Microsoft, how could you go wrong? But the fact remains that Window Server has never caught on as well as Apache, and in fact in some quarters does not enjoy favorable server comparison with Unix. Still, the 2003 edition of Window Server has held up well and made some inroads in the server market. Certainly, it is stable and will no doubt continue to gain some ground over time.

When engaging in server comparison, searching through the Internet will often yield interesting details about both good and bad experiences with various servers. Before investing in one system, check online to see what you can find out about performance, up-time and ease of installation and use.

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