Apache is an open source web server software that has the largest market share. It was started in 1995 by a group of developers as an open source alternative to proprietary web servers. Apache has many advantages, including being cross-platform, customizable through user-created modules, and providing strong security features like SSL authentication. It also supports languages like PHP, MySQL, and Perl. While it is very robust and customizable, one disadvantage is challenges with name-based virtual hosting over SSL. Overall, Apache continues to be successfully developed and improved through an open community.

1. Presentation by :
RANJAN
FALL 2012
UW MCDM

2. BACKGROUND
• Apache gets its name from the Native Indian American
tribe Apache
• Key people – Rob McCool, Brain Behlendorf, Cliff
Skolnick and other web masters
• February 1995 – 8 core contributors formed the
foundation of the original Apache group
• April 1995 – First Apache HTTP server project was started
• December 1, 1995 Apache 1 was released which ran on
Novell’s Netware, Microsoft Windows and also on Linux
with more features.

3. WHY APACHE?
• Apache has more than twice the market share than
its next competitor, Microsoft IIS.
• Since its an open source it is more reliable
• Apache suites sites all sizes and types
• Currently serves internet giants like Google and
Wikipedia
• Apache is a public domain software

4. FEATURES OF APACHE
• Users can create own Apache server module using
custom module
• APACHE can support in all OS without any
hardware changes
• APACHE works on various OS’s for example: UNIX
FreeBSD, Linux, Solaris, Novell NetWare, Mac OSX
and Microsoft Windows.

5. ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES OF
APACHE

6. ADVANTAGES OF APACHE
• User gets the ability to create their own module
according to their needs
• It is bug free cross platform open sources
application
• It provides support to PHP, which has inbuilt
mod_php module in it and also supports My SQL
and Perl and many more.
• It provides SSL authentication to have a secure
connection between server and the client.

7. DISADVANTAGE OF APACHE
• Not advisable to use same name based virtual
hosting to identify different SSL based virtual hosts
because if we are using the same host name then
we need to use the same IP address and same port
no. and if we do this then there will be problem in
the SSL thus giving room to the hackers to sniff the
packets.
SSL : Secure Sockets Layer

8. COMPARISION WITH THE IMMEDIATE
COMPITETOR MICROSOFT IIS

9. APACHE INTERNET INFORMATION
SERVICE (MS IIS)
Cross platform Only in Windows Operating
System
Free software Not a free software
The user has the capability to IIS does not allow a user to
alter the module according to modify or create new module
the requirement. The module
used is mod_rewrite
New version of Apache can be IIS cannot be enhanced in
enhanced in any operating higher version operating
system system of windows
Very high security Vulnerable
Integrating DOT NET is not DOT NET is integrated
possible
Bugs can be fixed by just To fix bug an administrator is
adding the free patches needed also more expensive.

10. CONCLUSION
• The Apache project will continue to be an open source
project that keeps up with the advances in the HTTP
protocol and web development in general. The people
behind the project are open to suggestions for fixes and
improvements.
• Part of the Apaches success was due to the numerous
tests conducted by developers and users
• The Apache group maintains rigorous standards before
releasing any new version of the server, and when bugs
are reported, the developers release patches and new
versions as soon as they are available.

11. REFERENCES
• Apache website (http://httpd.apache.org/)
• Wikipedia
• Apache (The Definitive Guide)
• Introduction to Apache Web Server