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Microsoft .NET Framework vs Windows Server AppFabric comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 5, 2025

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

Microsoft .NET Framework
Ranking in Application Infrastructure
2nd
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
7.2
Number of Reviews
53
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Windows Server AppFabric
Ranking in Application Infrastructure
18th
Average Rating
8.2
Reviews Sentiment
7.7
Number of Reviews
4
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2025, in the Application Infrastructure category, the mindshare of Microsoft .NET Framework is 6.1%, down from 6.8% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Windows Server AppFabric is 0.6%, down from 0.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Application Infrastructure
 

Featured Reviews

Alberto Carioni - PeerSpot reviewer
Integration with advanced tools improves development speed and efficiency
I use Azure DevOps because we have everything implemented in .NET by Microsoft, and we are integrated with the collection of the requirements, the .NET pipeline, and directing Azure DevOps for Azure Plus. I am more of a developer, so from an infrastructure point of view, I do not have feedback or…
VIJAY RAGAVAN - PeerSpot reviewer
Ensure seamless deployment and networking with a focus on critical uptime
The most important issue I've found is the blue screen errors, particularly when customers use external displays with a P-type cable. I have advised against using external displays for crucial applications and recommended using VGA or laptop adapter screens to mitigate this issue. However, the blue screen error remains a major concern because it causes data loss during reboots.

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"A great solution for creating program solutions in a framework for Microsoft Windows quickly and easily."
"When it comes to the user interface, the context is better than other tools because it is easier to use."
"Ease of use, the richness of the libraries and basically very good development tools."
"If we take low code, no code platform such as RPA platforms, you might end up writing 100 lines of code and you might do it in a single line of code using. NET."
"Firstly, I appreciate the decision to use Microsoft .NET Framework. I find it to be an excellent language, with a history rooted in providing an alternative to Java, albeit with initial challenges. It is gaining popularity and may be voted the most desirable programming language. What I particularly like about .NET is its language efficiency. While C# is the primary language, the platform also supports others, catering to those inclined towards functional programming. Although I started with Shell, I'm still grasping the concept of functional programming. Despite initial reservations about object-oriented programming, I acknowledge its advantages. .NET is a safer option, and despite criticisms, it has evolved over the years. One notable aspect is .NET's transition to an open platform in recent years, distancing itself from being exclusive to Microsoft engineers. I appreciate the versatility of .NET, enabling code production for a wide range of platforms, presenting a strong competition to Java. It allows targeting practically any physical platform, showcasing its flexibility. These qualities contribute to my positive view of .NET, totaling thirteen aspects that I find appealing."
"As we are scaling quite nicely on Azure."
"The .NET Framework is easier to use because it provides a wide range of libraries."
"The .NET Framework simplified operations dealing with the allocation and deallocation of memory spaces and the additional processing resources."
"The most valuable feature is AppFabric's hosting solution, which is what we need for running workflows."
"The product's deployment phase was very easy."
"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 ability to seamlessly deploy, image, and patch without causing downtime is extremely helpful and user-friendly."
 

Cons

"They could enhance support for Python within Visual Studio, as integrating Microsoft products with other frameworks can present a steep learning curve."
"I would like to see a better response time from the technical support."
"There may be some topics regarding connectivity and management of certificates that require attention."
"There are performance constraints when multiple users are accessing the application and that consumes CPU resources."
"One thing that could be improved is the tooling and IDE for .NET in non-Windows environments like Mac."
"The solution is difficult to learn if someone is learning it for the first time."
"The product could have a better framework for application development."
"The product's price is an area of concern, making it an area where improvements are required."
"The most important issue I've found is the blue screen errors, particularly when customers use external displays with a P-type cable."
"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."
"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."
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Microsoft .NET Framework is licensed under the Windows License."
"Microsoft .NET Framework is free of cost."
"The solution is free but you need to pay for a license for the hosting service."
"Microsoft .NET Framework is very cost-effective for corporate users."
"Microsoft .NET Framework is a free, open-source solution."
"The solution is a bit costly when compared to open source products or open gear licenses."
"For the moment I can only give the product a rating of five out of ten since only some of the customers will be satisfied, those that have the financial resources for hosting a platform on Windows Server."
"There is a Community Edition that can be used free of charge, but the licensing cost for the Enterprise version is quite high."
"The product is affordable, in my opinion."
"It is expensive, and its licensing is a bit confusing."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Real Estate/Law Firm
12%
Construction Company
11%
Computer Software Company
11%
Financial Services Firm
11%
No data available
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
No data available
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Microsoft .NET Framework?
Microsoft .NET Framework continually innovates, particularly in Visual Studio, which focuses on improving languages, debugging, and .NET functionality.
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Microsoft .NET Framework?
The company is not paying anything for the license. I am not familiar with this area. For us, it's free.
What needs improvement with Microsoft .NET Framework?
There may be some topics regarding connectivity and management of certificates that require attention. We are currently facing some issues.
What do you like most about Windows Server AppFabric?
The product's deployment phase was very easy.
What needs improvement with Windows Server AppFabric?
The most important issue I've found is the blue screen errors, particularly when customers use external displays with a P-type cable. I have advised against using external displays for crucial appl...
 

Also Known As

MS .NET Framework
No data available
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Curtin University, Rockwell Automation, Aruba Networks, Insurity Inc., City of Barcelona, Pennsylvania DCNR, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, A1 Telekom Austria AG, Eastman Chemical Company
OSIsoft
Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft .NET Framework vs. Windows Server AppFabric and other solutions. Updated: June 2025.
856,873 professionals have used our research since 2012.