Apache Web Server vs Windows Server AppFabric comparison

Apache and Microsoft are both solutions in the Application Infrastructure category. Apache is ranked #5 with an average rating of 8.7, while Microsoft is ranked #12 with an average rating of 9.0. Apache holds a 8.5% mindshare in AIS, compared to Microsoft’s 2.7% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Apache users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Microsoft users who would recommend it.

Apache Web Server

Read 24 Apache Web Server reviews

2,456 Views
2,431 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Windows Server AppFabric

Read 5 Windows Server AppFabric reviews

1,051 Views
1,040 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Apache Web Server

Windows Server AppFabric

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Download the report

Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 5, 2025

Windows Server AppFabric and Apache Web Server compete in the application hosting and web server category. Apache Web Server seems to have the upper hand due to its flexibility, open-source nature, and broad community support.

Features: Windows Server AppFabric offers distributed caching, session state management, and workflow hosting, making it ideal for enterprise environments. Apache Web Server features a modular architecture, allowing extensive customization, superb cross-platform compatibility, and efficient client request handling.

Room for Improvement: Windows Server AppFabric could improve in cross-platform compatibility and reducing setup costs. Enhanced community engagement and flexibility could also benefit it. Apache Web Server might enhance its enterprise-level support, improve detailed documentation for complex configurations, and address more specific enterprise security concerns.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Windows Server AppFabric integrates seamlessly within Microsoft ecosystems and offers strong enterprise support. Apache Web Server is easy to deploy across various operating systems, backed by vast community-driven support resources.

Pricing and ROI: Windows Server AppFabric typically involves a higher initial setup cost, potentially leading to significant ROI in Microsoft-centric enterprises. Apache Web Server benefits from being open-source, incurring minimal setup costs, and offers a cost-effective solution for smaller to mid-sized deployments.

To learn more, read our detailed Apache Web Server vs. Windows Server AppFabric Report (Updated: April 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Apache Web Server vs. Windows Server AppFabric

April 2026

Download the complete report

Helped 893,244 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Apache Web Server

Ranking in Application Infrastructure

5th

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Windows Server AppFabric

Ranking in Application Infrastructure

12th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2026, in the Application Infrastructure category, the mindshare of Apache Web Server is 8.5%, down from 10.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Windows Server AppFabric is 2.7%, up from 0.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Application Infrastructure Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Apache Web Server	8.5%
Windows Server AppFabric	2.7%
Other	88.8%

Application Infrastructure

Featured Reviews

Dimitrios Zigkos

Enterprise Architect at Smals vzw

Faced limitations with integration and long-term adaptability but benefited from a lightweight architecture for standalone applications

I find valuable and beneficial the independence that comes with Apache Web Server. You can build a small project using a simple application server without bothering too much about how to manage it. The compatibility with multiple operating systems has helped my operations since most of the time we use Linux. Some systems rely on Windows, but they are few; in the past, Windows was the dominant operating system for mainstream PCs and infrastructure, but not for business. All the companies I worked for had 90% Linux and maybe up to 10% Windows. The initial setup of Apache Web Server was straightforward and okay.

Read full review

Dennis Ndegwa

Senior System Administrator at Kentainers

Improved on-premise performance has supported faster, secure apps and clearer server monitoring

One thing I appreciate most about Windows Server AppFabric is because it's widely used; it's easier to get solutions online from other communities when I am stuck. Because it is widely used, it's easier to get solutions and also easier to work with. Especially after I found 2019, I have worked with 2019 and I appreciate it. It's easier to get solutions. After implementing Windows Server AppFabric, I can say I love the speed. The functionality and speed are good. Earlier, when they added more people, I could see some lagging. But now, I have no issue even if I double the users, even if I add 30% of users or any applications, it will still be fast. It increased the speed and also security. I've noticed the new one I have is good and secure. I love the security. The monitoring capabilities of Windows Server AppFabric help me improve service visibility and troubleshooting. In a day, I have to go through a lot of the logs and also the utilization. There, I see the CPU. I have to do the utilization, and I can see what is utilizing the most. By doing this, I can be able to tell what, in case I need to do an upgrade, what I might need to provide the upgrade or maybe increase in users that will not affect the operations.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"The solution offers good security."

"I do find some benefits with Nginx."

"It's reliable, configurable and generally secure."

"The product's initial setup phase is straightforward."

"The open-source nature is one of its most significant advantages."

"Most of the features I liked were related to the performance during peak hours."

"I find valuable and beneficial the independence that comes with Apache Web Server; you can build a small project using a simple application server without bothering too much about how to manage it."

"Apache Web Server is freeware with no setup or licensing costs, yet it efficiently and stably runs our web applications in the cloud, including Java-based ones with Apache Tomcat and SSL for secure connectivity, providing substantial cost-savings for our organization."

More Apache Web Server pros

"The most valuable feature is AppFabric's hosting solution, which is what we need for running workflows."

"It is very usable and easy to understand, and antivirus and VPN are the main features being used now, allowing my clients to access the network from home, which was very crucial because of the pandemic."

"It is very usable and easy to understand. Antivirus and VPN are the main features being used now. It allows my clients to access the network from home, which was very crucial because of the pandemic."

"The product's deployment phase was very easy."

"This product works great for us and it's unfortunate that they're not going to support it anymore."

"After implementing Windows Server AppFabric, I can say I love the speed."

"The ability to seamlessly deploy, image, and patch without causing downtime is extremely helpful and user-friendly."

Cons

"With Apache, you can't update the system. There is a big gap between models. I don't like this."

"There is a security-related problem that depends on the web server's configuration."

"The interface has room for improvement."

"Adding a reverse proxy to Apache Web Server would be a significant improvement."

"The product's initial setup process could be easier for users."

"Its stability could be better."

"Apache Server and the Nginx also do not require any licenses, and I think because of this that the support is not so good for us."

"I would like to see improvements in the functionality and core of Apache Web Server, focusing on building an infrastructure that can be resilient and robust enough to handle resource shortages, and fast enough in edge cases without crashing under too much traffic during spikes."

More Apache Web Server cons

"Its price and licensing policy can be improved. It could be a little cheaper. Licensing is sometimes confusing. There are so many different options. It is difficult to find out what to buy or what to choose for my necessity."

"The most important issue I've found is the blue screen errors, particularly when customers use external displays with a P-type cable."

"Its price and licensing policy can be improved. Licensing is sometimes confusing; there are so many different options that it is difficult to find out what to buy or what to choose for my necessity."

"Microsoft will stop supporting the product next year, and we can't run unsupported programs in our systems."

"The product is unable to connect with different cloud services."

"Microsoft will stop supporting the product next year, and we can't run unsupported programs in our systems."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"It is an open-source solution."

"There is no licensing cost for the product."

"The apache software is free, open-source."

"It is a free-of-cost solution."

"It is expensive, and its licensing is a bit confusing."

"The product is affordable, in my opinion."

See which vendors are best for you

Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Application Infrastructure solutions are best for your needs.

See recommendations

893,244 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Construction Company

10%

Outsourcing Company

10%

Computer Software Company

10%

Financial Services Firm

10%

No data available

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	7
Midsize Enterprise	8
Large Enterprise	11

No data available

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Apache Web Server?

There are no fees associated with the usage of Apache Web Server in my projects. If you want to have support, then there is some cost, but today I do not know how many companies pay for that servic...

See all answers

What needs improvement with Apache Web Server?

I would like to see improvements in the functionality and core of Apache Web Server, focusing on building an infrastructure that can be resilient and robust enough to handle resource shortages, and...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Apache Web Server?

I am currently working with Apache Web Server in my projects because I'm an architect. Some years ago, it was the application server and the web server; it was Apache Daemon and Apache, the web ser...

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Windows Server AppFabric?

I am overall satisfied with the licensing cost of Windows Server AppFabric. It's a reasonable price because I run multiple servers, so we bought the bulk one. I can say the price was fair.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Windows Server AppFabric?

I do not utilize Windows Server AppFabric's workflow management for now because that's a project that we might be looking at in the coming year, in the first or second quarter.

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Windows Server AppFabric?

All of our major applications are on-premise, so I think 90% of my software used by the employees is on-premise. We have the telephony, we have the ERP, we have some mobile apps. We run a mobile ap...

See all answers

Comparisons

IIS vs Apache Web Server

Compared 20% of the time

NGINX Plus vs Apache Web Server

Compared 17% of the time

Magic xpa Application Platform vs Apache Web Server

Compared 6% of the time

JBoss Enterprise Application Platform vs Apache Web Server

Compared 6% of the time

InterSystems Ensemble vs Apache Web Server

Compared 5% of the time

More Apache Web Server Competitors

InterSystems Ensemble vs Windows Server AppFabric

Compared 25% of the time

IIS vs Windows Server AppFabric

Compared 24% of the time

Microsoft System Center vs Windows Server AppFabric

Compared 10% of the time

IBM BPM vs Windows Server AppFabric

Compared 6% of the time

Oracle SOA Suite vs Windows Server AppFabric

Compared 5% of the time

More Windows Server AppFabric Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Apache Web Server

May 2026

Download Apache Web Server product report

Buyer's Guide

Application Infrastructure

April 2026

Download Windows Server AppFabric product report

Also Known As

Apache HTTP Server

No data available

Overview

Apache Web Server is a stable, open-source platform known for its cost-effectiveness, multi-platform compatibility, ease of setup, and high security. It supports various web scripting languages and enables HTTPS services, making it a popular choice for many organizations.

Apache Web Server offers extensive features including HTTP server capabilities and modularity. It efficiently handles client requests and is highly flexible, which is why many companies utilize it for hosting applications, developing websites, and more. Community support further enhances its reliability, though improvements like integration with cloud systems such as Kubernetes, a simplified port management, and support for Microsoft's .Net framework are desired. Initial setup challenges exist, and enhanced security features and GUI updates would benefit less experienced users. Apache needs optimization for resource efficiency and compatibility with modern application architectures.

What are the most important features of Apache Web Server?

Open-Source: Apache is free and community-driven.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on multiple operating systems.
Modular Architecture: Allows scalability and customization.
Secure: Supports HTTPS services and has WAF capabilities.
Performance: Efficiently handles client requests.

What benefits can users expect from using Apache Web Server?

Cost-Effective: No licensing fees associated.
High Reliability: Community support ensures stability.
Flexibility: Easily integrates with numerous frameworks.
Scalability: Modular design aids in scaling operations.
Community Support: Continuous updates and enhancements.

Apache Web Server is widely used across different industries such as financial sectors for hosting applications and core banking systems. Integrated with tools like JMeter and Tomcat, it is pivotal in deploying web servers and acting as a proxy for application servers. In cloud migrations, its open-source WAF features using ModSecurity are invaluable, and companies rely on its capabilities for managing threats and attacks through HTTP/HTTPS connections.

Apache

Windows Server AppFabric offers robust networking and seamless updates with improved speed and security. Despite its deprecation next year, organizations appreciate its usability and antivirus, especially in on-premises deployment with multiple Windows Server versions.

Windows Server AppFabric provides notable deployment and hosting capabilities, supporting efficient workflow management while ensuring service visibility through its monitoring features. Despite limitations in cloud connectivity and concerns about pricing policies, it remains valuable for managing applications like telephony and ERP. Flexibility in server migration and significant usability contribute to its widespread adoption, although users report issues like blue screen errors during specific configurations, which can lead to concerns about continuity and data loss. The impending end of support influences its long-term viability for organizations.

What are the key features of Windows Server AppFabric?

Networking Capabilities: Enables seamless deployment and continuous updates without downtime.
Usability: Includes antivirus protection, VPN access, and enhances accessibility.
Monitoring: Provides enhanced service visibility and troubleshooting capabilities.
Workflow Management: Supports efficient hosting solutions for workflows.
Server Migration: Offers flexibility in transitioning to new server environments.

What benefits and ROI should users expect to find in reviews?

Improved Security: Enhances security even under increased demand conditions.
Increased Deployment Efficiency: Facilitates faster and more reliable deployment processes.
Cost-Effectiveness: Despite initial cost concerns, it offers value through usability and features.
Accessibility to Solutions: As a well-used application, finding online solutions is simplified.

In industries like telecommunications, education, and enterprise resource planning, Windows Server AppFabric is implemented for its robust deployment and workflow management. Companies utilize it to manage applications across networks with 5 to 50 workstations, ensuring that key processes remain secure and efficient. Its use in on-premises settings supports critical functions, providing users with necessary control over their application management.

Microsoft

Sample Customers

Cisco, Intuit, General Electric, Adobe, VMware, PayPal, HP, EMC, eBay, Apple, SAP, Qualcomm, SanDisk, Allstate, FedEx

OSIsoft

Buyer's Guide

Apache Web Server vs. Windows Server AppFabric

April 2026

Free Report: Apache Web Server vs. Windows Server AppFabric

Find out what your peers are saying about Apache Web Server vs. Windows Server AppFabric and other solutions. Updated: April 2026.

DOWNLOAD NOW

893,244 professionals have used our research since 2012.

See our Apache Web Server vs. Windows Server AppFabric report.

See our list of best Application Infrastructure vendors.

We monitor all Application Infrastructure reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.