Let's not beat around the bush: we here at Port80 have heard it all in regards to IIS, from “Hey, it works, me happy” to “Oh, Lord, save me from that satanic tool.”
Yes, there are problems (with any technology platform, it is to be expected) -- this is one of the reasons Port80 Software exists as a company. But many of us still use Microsoft’s Web server and have found great value in IIS over the long term. It's a love-hate relationship, but IIS is improving over time.
Remember, we really have come along way. IIS 6 is tremendously improved over previous versions, and IIS 7 really will make the differences between Apache and IIS from an architecture point of view somewhat moot. However, the IIS bashing we heard recently just reminds us how bad people can be in putting down IIS, even at Microsoft itself at times...
Check out this quote from a new piece on TechRepublic today:
"... There are developers out there who shout at the sky, turn green and rip their shirts over IIS. ... Visual Studio 2005 can run on individual machines without IIS. ... "
There is a fine line between investigation and persecution, and most IIS critics out there have stepped over that line, repeatedly, and continue to push the old “IIS sucks” mantra. It is so 2002.
So, all you Incredible Developer Hulks out there ripping your shirts and screaming: listen up. Yes, you aren't going to be required to install IIS to do your .NET stuff, but explain then how your Web application environment actually works over HTTP/HTTPS?
Well, surprise, surprise, that underlying HTTP subsystem you are using is the heart of IIS you are developing with! We can rename things, hide things, etc., but underneath it all we have what we have.
So, all of you who think no remnants of the ugly DOS legacy can be found in Windows, raise your hand... OK? Yep, you folks can now believe that IIS is gone from your life too.
Good night, and good luck.
- Port80