Would Website Spark Work With IIS7?
Web developers have always debated over which platform to target. Linux or Windows. The focus has always been on which programming language to use because until now, it is assumed that the scripts such as PHP are intended for Linux web servers only.
However, with the introduction of IIS7, this barrier was broken down and developers suddenly found that Perl, Python, and PHP worked just fine on a Windows Server – mainly due to the improvements and integration of the FastCGI module.
The question now remained is ease of development.
Difficulty in Developing for Linux
Writing code for a Linux Server has always been somewhat frustrating. It’s because the tools have not been good enough and not because the code itself needs to be changed in any way. There’s so much routine work in software development that can be outsourced to good programs, but they don’t usually integrate well with a Linux Server.
To cite an example, an advanced software like Visual Studio has these specifications: GUI drag and drop of web components, proper Intellisense with the arguments of objects neatly appearing, full object oriented development with GUI class design which incorporates into the coding.
Visual Studio itself integrates into a Windows Server running IIS and makes several functions easier such as FTP deployment of code, subversion, and the like. If your ultimate goal is to use a Linux server, such facilities can be set up.
The Cost Factor
However, the issue that has been holding back those who till now have written for Linux is the cost of software such as Visual Studio and SQL Server. A number of startups like to use this software once they’re profitable; however, the licensing in the initial stages poses a big challenge and has a tendency to slow them down.
Such software is deemed to succeed, no doubt about it, all it needs is that initial push.
Microsoft’s WebsiteSpark Program
For such startups with less than 10 employees, Microsoft lends a helping hand. Business owners will have the privilege of using original Microsoft software which comes with full technical support absolutely free for the entire three years. The WebsiteSpark hosting program, offers businesses in web application development the ability to become profitable more quickly by providing them with an initial “spark”.
After a simple registration process, businesses will need to create a site developed using the tools within 6 months and then renew the free license annually up to a period of three years.
Summary
Web developers who have been sitting on the fence trying to decide which platform to program for now have an added impetus to choose a Windows Server over Linux. The quality software free for three years is too tempting to decline!
Appliedi.net is the leader in windows hosting. They offer a wide range of services from windows dedicated servers to Windows VPS hosting plans. Click on the link – To learn more about the benefits of WebsiteSpark for your business.