Web Servers
The following describes a generalized view of web server operations:
Commercial Web Servers
Popular commercial server products:
 | Apache - major market share - key advantage is that source code is maintained by the owner (also a potential disadvantage, this requires a significant level of software expertise). Extensive third party support market. Runs on most popular platforms. |
| Internet Information Server - Microsoft - highly integrated with NT operating system (no other platforms), software is free with the NT operating system. Includes tools for graphical management. |
Following from: Netcraft - http://www.netcraft.co.uk/Survey/
Key Considerations for Selecting a Web Server
| Hardware platform - performance, reliability, cost, support costs (people, environment, power). |
| Operating system - performance, reliability. |
| Applications (especially when converting from other systems) |
| Personnel expertise (e.g., Unix v. Windows) |
| Existing infrastructure investment (e.g., is it time to replace some of the hardware/software or use existing resources). |
| Long term cost considerations. |
Web CGI/Database Architectures
Web Form - displays/presents the data. | Basic set of controls for an interactive interface |
| Text box, Radio Button, Check Box, Button, List Box |
| Form is directed to a web application/page. |
Post/Get - sends data from the browser to the server.
| Post - sends as part of the Request data stream (stdin/out) |
| Get - sends as part of the URL (www.acme.com/appname?param=value¶m2=value) |
CGI (Common Gateway Interface) Operation
| Depends on a programming interface between application and web server. |
| Key aspects include input/output (data) & server operations. |
Web Server Architectures
The attached PowerPoint document summarizes various Microsoft two and three tier web architectures.