February 12, 1996
The Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS), the first Web server integrated with the Windows NT Server operating system, is now available to download from the Internet at no charge (other than the cost of connect time, if any) at the Microsoft Internet Information Server Web site. You can download any of four versions: Intel, Alpha AXP, MIPS, and PowerPC.
IIS performs approximately four times faster than Netscape's Netsite Communications Server for Windows NT version 1.2, according to an independent software testing laboratory report by Shiloh Consulting and Haynes & Company. Both tests were run on an HP NetServer LS Pentium-based server.
IIS's integration with the Microsoft BackOffice family of server products also helps enable development of a new generation of Web applications and can make thousands of existing database and messaging applications "Web-enabled."
IIS is optimized for Windows NT Server, which provides advanced fault tolerance and built-in security. IIS includes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), which provides encryption for secure communications.
Windows NT Server gives users the ability to choose from thousands of PC and RISC single- and multi-processor servers (x86, Pentium, Pentium Pro, Digital Alpha AXP, Power PC and MIPS).
The graphical Internet Service Manager included with IIS centralizes administration for multiple servers from a single desktop, and allows secure administration over the Internet. In addition, IIS includes the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser for Windows 3. x, Windows 95 and Windows NT.
While fully supporting existing standards like CGI and PERL, IIS also includes the open Internet Server API (ISAPI), an extension to the Win32 API, which is up to five times faster than CGI-based applications. ISAPI can be used to provide server extensions such as customer communications, site management, and business solutions like accounting, order-entry, and catalog databases. More than 50 third-party developers have announced plans to deliver ISAPI-based applications.
The Internet Database Connector included with IIS is based on open industry standards, providing integration with SQL Server, Microsoft Access, or other ODBC-compliant databases. Through Microsoft Exchange Server, IIS will tie Web-based information into corporate-wide mail and messaging systems, providing seamless sharing of information and documents. For more developer-related information on IIS, check out the Server Software section of Microsoft's Internet Development Toolbox Web site.
Microsoft Internet Information Server is now downloadable from the Internet at no charge (other than the cost of connect time, if any) at the Microsoft Internet Information Server Web site. You can download any of four versions: Intel, Alpha AXP, MIPS, and PowerPC.
IIS is also included in the Windows NT Server Network Value Pack, along with Windows NT Server and 10 client-access licenses (note: IIS has an unlimited license; customers do not need Client-Access Licenses to access IIS). The Windows NT Server Network Value Pack is available for the approximate retail price of US$999. Customers who already use Windows NT Server can acquire IIS for the estimated retail price of US$99. Both products will be available in March from resellers.
