Alternative webservers for intranet stuff

rh71 · June 8th, 2002, 03:00 PM

We're using IIS5 for intranet Crystal Reports delivery, but IIS keeps dying on us after a few weeks with no known cause. Our only fix was to re-apply an image of the machine when it had been working, but it keeps re-occuring.

So I'd just like to know what you guys thought of using other FREE webservers out there such as SimpleServer:WWW from AnalogX. It's a WIN2k box obviously, so PWS is not an option and Apache is DEFINITELY not an option because of all the security issues (like IIS). Since it's an intranet solution, we'd like to keep it as hands-free as possible (ie. patches/fixes).

There's more listed at http://serverwatch.internet.com/webservers.html ...

Let me know if you've used some of these for such a solution. Thx.

Epyon9283 · June 8th, 2002, 03:29 PM

Why isnt Apache an option??

thekemp · June 8th, 2002, 03:40 PM

apache would def be the best option for you. my company have just changed 6000+ machines to an intranet running on apache from lotus domino! we have a mix of win 2k machines redhat servers, unix servers, and win 95 and nt4 workstations and apache seems to work for all of them and boy does it work all the time!
i have just done a course on IIS5 and even the instructor says that he preferes apache but teaching microsoft is where the money is.
microshaft

**RobRich** · June 8th, 2002, 11:58 PM

IIS employs the worst example of multithreading I have ever scene. Not efficient, especially for those requiring any real degree of dynamic content.

Apache is about as slow as mud on a Windows box. Not a great solution for any high-demand server environment, but that is my thoughts.

Best server available? Zeus for Linux. Worst part, is costs serious $$$$ and no Windows version is currently available.

Apache is still your best bet, but if you insist on not using it, then check out Roxen Webserver. It is not the fastest HTTP server out there, but it is stable and works quite well for low-demand situations (like a small Intranet). Oddly enough, this server provides the backbone for a portion of Real Networks multimedia network, a network that provides resources to millions of users each day.

Robert Richmond

Epyon9283 · June 9th, 2002, 12:08 AM

Apache 2 is actually pretty fast on windows.

rh71 · June 9th, 2002, 12:11 AM

Thx guys. Apache is fine (we'd be using IBM HTTP Server based on Apache)... but we would rather stay away from having to install patches/fixes whenever they come out.

All we need it to do is serve up static pages (or a java applet) that contain already-generated Crystal Reports.

Scott Tiger · June 9th, 2002, 12:24 AM

Sorry to but in here but what are crystal reports? Is that a VB addin? I've heard about before but never in the same sentence as "web server'.

ST

**RobRich** · June 9th, 2002, 12:29 AM

Epyon9283, been awhile since I've tested Windows-based servers. I may have to download a copy of Apache v2 and check out the performance difference. I know back in the day, Apache was one of the worst performing Windows solutions available.

Then again, even Apache for Unix/Linux is not really considered to be a high performance solution as compared to some of the better commercial solutions currently available. iPlanet, Zeus, and IIS are faster for static pages, while Zues completely crushes the competition for most dynamic page operations.

**RobRich** · June 9th, 2002, 12:38 AM

Here ya' go Scott:

http://www.crystaldecisions.com/products/

qball · June 9th, 2002, 07:32 PM

Quote:

...intranet Crystal Reports delivery... It's a WIN2k box...

Why need intranet (web server)? Why not use 'file server'? (especially if SECURITY an issue). What need access reports in browser, iffin use browser as client, as in client/server?

You don't want to apply security fixes, yet you're running 2K???

Quote:

Is that a VB addin?