Windows as webserver

sawfish

I posted on the Unix thread about this too, but I wanted to get opinions from Windows enthusiasts too,

We are looking at implementing a webserver inhouse to share company documents on the network.

What are the benefits and drawbacks to using both Windows and Linux as a hosting platform?

FSL

If it is in house then you don't need a web server just use a shared folder or folders if you want a hierarchical permission structure.

Capt'n Midnight

if it's only file sharing then you could use a NAS box which you could pay for on just the electricity savings over it's lifetime by not using a computer

and some NAS boxes have web interfaces


of course if you have to design a web interface then all bets are off as that will be the big cost and you are into a whole world of apache vs. IIS and other such decisions that will knudge you down one way or the other


and the minute someone asks to access these files externally all your effort has been wasted because if you are asking such questions then you can't manage the security and should have used the cloud (google docs etc.) in the first place

Dominya

I'd highly recommend using Apache over IIS. IIS seems overly cumbersome.

You could also look into using Xampp on windows if you only need something small and simple!

ressem

It's a little vague what you mean by "share company documents on the network".
Is this looking to go on existing hardware or an entirely new system? What volume of people are you looking at, what features do you need.

Mostly this would be not done using IIS/Apache, you'd use windows file sharing SMB protocol.

If you are looking at software for the purposes of collaborating and versioning of documents then Microsoft would like you to use Sharepoint or Office 365.

A multiplatform alternative (windows and linux) is Alfresco, there is a community edition if you are you are low in funds and willing to put in the work.
http://wiki.alfresco.com/wiki/Alfresco_Community_Edition_3.2

Windows or Linux depends on what the staff there are capable of running and supporting / paying for support and installation.

If your staff are familiar with windows administration, and not linux then Windows will be the way to work. Sharepoint can be a bit of a blight though.

I'd choose Linux for many setups as the small businesses will not pay to keep windows, it's cals and backup software up to a modern version.

And using Linux\BSD, being able to duplicate almost any system with a tarball copy of the filesystem simplifies risk management, testing and reduces sleepless nights when the business will not pay for redundant hardware.