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Apache

Apache is based on NCSA's HTTPd but claims to have fewer bugs. In fact, the name Apache comes from the fact that it is a series of patches incorporated onto the NCSA server-hence, "a patchy server." This is also the only server available for the OS/2 operating system. Apache offers multiple methods from which to customize error messages and the capability to customize other key needs, such as text responses and local and external URL redirection. Like HTTPd, it requires that you understand how to configure it with your operating system. Apache will soon introduce a commercial version, which should have SSLs.

Apache supports standard NCSA log formats, can create referrer and browser logs, and can track users. It allows for authentication based on user ID and password, and can prohibit access from specific domain names and IP addresses. It is one of the fastest servers available but must be set up and maintained by editing the configuration files. There is no graphical in-terface.

For more information Apache, visit http://www.apache.org.

Freeware Web server packages often provide all you need to develop a smoothly functioning hub for your intranet; so consider these when making your choice. Also, look at what packages other intranets have selected, and query their administrators about their experience. Table 8.1 offers information about the Web server packages of selected companies.

Table 8.1. A comparison of what various Web servers offer users.

	Apache	Mac HTTP	Microsoft IIS	NCSA	Netscape Enterprise	Netscape FastTrack	WebSite
Operating system(s)	Most UNIX, OS/2	MacOS	Windows NT (Intel, MIPS)	UNIX Windows NT, Solaris	UNIX,	UNIX, Windows NT, Solaris	Windows NT (Intel)
Can serve multiple domains	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
CERN/NCSA common log	*			*	*	*	*
Can generate referrer logs	*			*	*	*	*
Built-in image map handling	*		*	*	*	*	*
Supports authentication	*		*	*	*	*	*
Prohibits by domain name	*	*		*	*	*	*
Supports SSL			*		*	*
Web-based setup			*	*	*	*	*
Web-based maintenance			*		*	*	*
Remote maintenance	*		*		*	*	*
Includes full source code	*			*
Search engine		Apple search		Internal NCSA and WAIS support			Built in, with indexer

MCKEON & JEFFRIES

For M&J, the Web server choice was an obvious one. The firm needed limited security and limited authentication, it wasn't worried about user logs, and it could only work with a Windows NT solution. For the cost, O'Reilly's WebSite was the perfect answer. It allowed quick and easy setup, and it came with a Windows 95 administration tool that allowed the system administrator to maintain the site from any location. Setting up the Web server took a matter of minutes, and maintaining it just a few minutes a week.

THE SPORTING GOODS AND APPAREL ASSOCIATION

The SGAA's choice was also obvious, but for different reasons. It needed a server that could talk fluidly and quickly with a powerful backend database. It also needed very complex security and authentication solutions. The plan was to give different users the ability to see different areas of the site, determined by their user ID. The Oracle Web server, though expensive, was the perfect option. Setup and configuration was a long, complicated process mostly performed by its consultants. However, maintenance of the site thereafter was done using Oracle's Web-based maintenance tool.

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Apache

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