Microsoft IIS vs Wildfly: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss the key differences between Microsoft IIS and Wildfly. Both Microsoft IIS (Internet Information Services) and Wildfly are popular web server options used for hosting websites and applications. However, they have distinct features and functionalities that set them apart from each other.

1. Architecture: Microsoft IIS operates on the Windows operating system and is tightly integrated with other Microsoft products. It uses a modular architecture and supports the ASP.NET framework for developing web applications. On the other hand, Wildfly is based on the Java EE (Enterprise Edition) platform and can run on various operating systems. It supports a wide range of Java-based frameworks like JSP, JSF, and JPA.

2. Scalability and Performance: In terms of scalability, Wildfly offers better scalability options. It supports clustering and load balancing, allowing for the distribution of workload across multiple servers. Microsoft IIS also supports scalability, but it requires additional configuration and tools for load balancing. When it comes to performance, both servers have optimal performance, but Wildfly's Java-based runtime environment can provide better performance for Java-based applications.

3. Management and Configuration: Microsoft IIS provides a user-friendly graphical interface known as the Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager for managing and configuring the server settings. It also offers a rich set of features and tools for managing websites and applications. In contrast, Wildfly is primarily managed through command-line tools or script-based configurations. It requires a deeper understanding of the server's configuration files and command-line interface for effective management.

4. Platform Support: Microsoft IIS is limited to Windows-based operating systems, including Windows Server and Windows desktop editions. It is tightly integrated with the Windows ecosystem, allowing seamless integration with other Microsoft products. Wildfly, on the other hand, can run on multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. It offers more flexibility for developers and administrators when choosing the operating system for hosting their applications.

5. Community and Support: Microsoft IIS benefits from having strong community support and a large user base due to its association with Microsoft. It has extensive documentation, forums, and online resources to assist users in troubleshooting issues and finding solutions. Wildfly also has an active community, but its user base is relatively smaller compared to Microsoft IIS. However, Wildfly benefits from the vast Java community, which provides support and resources for Java-based applications.

6. Pricing and Licensing: Microsoft IIS is a commercial product that comes bundled with Windows Server editions. The licensing cost for Microsoft IIS is typically included in the overall licensing cost of the Windows Server operating system. On the other hand, Wildfly is an open-source server and is available for free under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL). This makes Wildfly a cost-effective option for organizations that prefer open-source solutions.

In summary, Microsoft IIS and Wildfly differ in terms of architecture, scalability, management, platform support, community, and licensing. Microsoft IIS has a closer integration with the Windows ecosystem and offers a user-friendly interface, while Wildfly provides better scalability options and broader platform support. Microsoft IIS is a commercial product, whereas Wildfly is an open-source server.