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IIS Reviews

Vendor: Microsoft
4.1 out of 5
Badge Ranked 1
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What is IIS?

IIS is a web server platform recognized for strong security, high performance, and seamless Windows integration. It offers an intuitive setup, emphasizing resource efficiency, scalability, and robust performance.

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IIS is the #1 ranked solution in top Application Infrastructure solutions and #5 ranked solution in top Application Server solutions. PeerSpot users give IIS an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. IIS is most commonly compared to IBM BPM: IIS vs IBM BPM. IIS is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 46% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 15% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
IIS
April 2026
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IIS mindshare

Product category:
Application Server
As of April 2026, the mindshare of IIS in the Application Server category stands at 7.1%, up from 6.7% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Application Server Mindshare Distribution
ProductMindshare (%)
IIS7.1%
Tomcat12.5%
Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform (EAP)11.6%
Other68.8%
Application Server

PeerResearch reports based on IIS reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryApplication ServerApr 29, 2026Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersApr 29, 2026Download
ComparisonIIS vs TomcatApr 29, 2026Download
ComparisonIIS vs Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform (EAP)Apr 29, 2026Download
ComparisonIIS vs Oracle WebLogic ServerApr 29, 2026Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
IBM BPM3.9N/A91%113 interviewsAdd to research
IBM DataPower Gateway4.1N/A96%32 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

IIS is appreciated for its ease of use, integration with Windows, and lack of additional licensing. Users highlight its straightforward setup, robust performance, and stability, especially its ability to manage application pools and isolate processes. Enhanced security features, compatibility with Microsoft products, and efficient management tools are also valued. IIS supports SSL, SSO, and effective port management while being resource-efficient. Its user-friendly interface and pre-configuration offer simplicity and accessibility for both new and experienced users.
  • "I think that the IIS includes most features that are required by web applications so that they can run smoothly on Windows operating system."
  • "IIS's best features are its management console and stability."
  • "My advice to others is this is a simple-to-use solution and you can find items with ease."

Room for Improvement

IIS faces compatibility challenges with non-Windows environments and lacks integration with some Microsoft products, limiting its versatility. Users find it difficult to manage and configure, particularly for clusters and complex deployments. Security and stability issues persist, with performance being a frequent concern. The user interface and documentation need enhancements for ease of use. High pricing and technical support delays are also problematic, while improvements in monitoring, debugging, and load balancing are needed.
  • "Sometimes if you are using IIS in large-scale scenarios, meaning that if you are deploying an application within IIS service and you are expecting a large number of users to use this application, you can sometimes find some problems, meaning that the service can shut down by itself unexpectedly if you don't configure your IIS with the correct configuration that can handle this number of users."
  • "IIS's memory management could be improved."
  • "IIS could improve by having some features related to URL rewrite, ARR (Application Request Routing) and HTTPS certificate generation."

ROI

Many find ROI from IIS favorable, noting ease in authentication and network tasks, rapid return on cloud options, and beneficial impacts on costs. Security and SharePoint teams particularly experience value through server efficiencies and internal web publishing. The platform offers competitive pricing, aiding in budget management. Some suggest enhancements for user-friendliness, especially for those less familiar with IIS, highlighting areas like website and database management. ROI may vary based on server hosting arrangements.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers evaluating IIS often find the pricing reasonable, as it is typically included with Windows Server, reducing additional costs. Some users highlight that while the licensing comes with the Windows environment, the overall cost can vary depending on usage, with options for subscription or perpetual models. The expense may be seen as high for certain users, but the integration with existing Microsoft ecosystems often offsets separate licensing fees, making it a cost-effective choice for many organizations.
  • "IIS comes along with an OS license from Microsoft. Others can opt for a perpetual-based licensing model to be able to use the system."
  • "They offer a one-time payment model for the product license, and we pay annually for support."
  • "Users can get a subscription-based license or a perpetual license for IIS."

Popular Use Cases

IIS is primarily utilized for hosting and managing web and application servers, supporting internal and external applications. Organizations deploy websites, databases, and application systems, often integrating with Microsoft services, Active Directory, and issuing security certificates. It aids in collaborative tools, publishing sites for SharePoint, providing infrastructure for IT departments, facilitating secure communication, handling digital front doors, and managing in-house applications across industries like healthcare, government, and software development.

Service and Support

Many users have not interacted with technical support. For those who have, opinions are mixed. Some find Microsoft's support responsive, but there are complaints about slow issue resolution and reliance on forums and community support. Some users have been satisfied with Microsoft's ability to address issues quickly if urgent, while others think support quality could improve, especially at entry-level. There's praise for documentation availability, helping manage many issues internally without direct support.

Deployment

IIS's initial setup is generally straightforward and considered easy by many. The process often takes between 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on configuration complexities and additional features. Users find it integrated seamlessly with Windows Server. Despite a few mentions of complexity when adding features or due to unfamiliarity, adequate documentation aids users. The simplicity in deployment is highlighted, making it manageable without extensive expertise.

Scalability

IIS scalability varies, with some users experiencing limitations, especially on single servers or without load balancing. Many suggest effective scaling requires a clustered environment. While scalability has improved with newer versions, difficulties still arise for extensive user bases or public-facing services. Some report effective scaling in clustered setups, but others see limitations in integration with diverse environments. It's often deployed internally, with cloud services seen as more scalable for larger applications.

Stability

Users generally report IIS as stable, with reliability increasing in recent years. Most find it robust and suitable for enterprise applications, particularly Microsoft technologies. Some cite occasional compatibility and stability issues when integrating with non-Microsoft technologies. User ratings vary, with stability often ranked between seven and ten. They note it remains stable under normal circumstances, although performance may depend on application management and configuration. Users appreciate IIS's stability but express a desire for further improvements.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our IIS Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business25
Midsize Enterprise9
Large Enterprise21
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business102
Midsize Enterprise51
Large Enterprise130
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
15%
Computer Software Company
11%
Comms Service Provider
9%
Government
8%
Performing Arts
7%
Manufacturing Company
6%
University
5%
Construction Company
5%
Insurance Company
5%
Marketing Services Firm
4%
Educational Organization
3%
Retailer
3%
Healthcare Company
3%
Transportation Company
2%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Legal Firm
1%
Energy/Utilities Company
1%
Outsourcing Company
1%
Wholesaler/Distributor
1%
Hospitality Company
1%
Non Profit
1%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Renewables & Environment Company
1%
Religious Institution
1%
Media Company
1%
Logistics Company
1%

Compare IIS with alternative products

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Learn more about IIS

Internet Information Services provides a comprehensive solution for hosting and managing web applications. Known for its security and integration capabilities, it features a user-friendly interface that simplifies server management. Its application pool isolation and performance make it highly reliable. However, configuration challenges, lack of detailed documentation, and difficulties in integrating with non-Windows environments are noted. Large-scale deployments sometimes encounter clustering and scalability issues, and improvements are needed in memory management and monitoring tools. Despite these areas for improvement, compatibility with Microsoft products and zero need for separate licensing are convincing benefits for many users.

What features make IIS stand out?
  • Security Features: Enhances security with single sign-on and SSL support.
  • Performance: Designed for high efficiency and reliability.
  • Integration: Seamless compatibility with Windows and Microsoft products.
  • User Interface: Straightforward setup aids in easy management.
  • Scalability: Able to efficiently scale with resource demands.
What benefits should be reviewed?
  • Resource Efficiency: Provides cost-effective resource management.
  • Scalability: Easily adapts to growing application demands.
  • No Licensing Cost: Eliminates additional licensing expenses.
  • Microsoft Integration: Offers seamless use with Microsoft ecosystems.

Organizations employ IIS for a range of applications. These include hosting web applications accessible externally, managing internal projects, and supporting infrastructure such as DNS and DHCP. Companies leverage its database management capabilities, integration with Active Directory, and secure communication via SSL. In fields like healthcare, IIS supports internal information systems and on-premise deployments.

IIS was previously known as Windows Server IIS.

IIS customers

Erste Bank Group, NJVC, Samsung Electronics, Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Tata Steel Europe, Urban Software Institute

Related questions

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Product Categories

Product Categories
Application Server
Application Infrastructure

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IIS Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Systems Engineer at Atos5.0I used IIS to manage internal websites and a VA project portal; it was stable and easy to set up, though configuring HTTPS could be more user-friendly. Microsoft's support was excellent, and the solution met our needs effectively.
Senior System Integrations Architect at bs-team4.5I've used IIS for 20 years to host web services and find it secure, stable, and well-integrated with Windows Server. It's easy to install and scale, though documentation can be hard to find at times.
Chief Technology Officer at EVtech4.0I mainly use IIS for internal web applications, appreciating its integration with Windows and security features, though I think it could benefit from automation improvements like Copilot; I rely on Azure for broader scalability needs.
Application Integrator at Lombard Odier Group4.0I've used Windows Server IIS for about 10 years without stability or scalability issues, though Microsoft's support is slow to escalate. Overall, my experience is positive, and I’d rate the solution a 7 out of 10.
Relationship Manager at a financial services firm with 5,001-10,000 employees3.5I mainly use IIS for our organization's internal Intranet, appreciating its easy setup and simplicity, especially within a Windows environment. However, its limitation to Windows reduces versatility compared to multi-environment servers like Apache.
IT System Administrator at Bouri4.0I use IIS for publishing websites with SSL certificates and integrating it with our ERP system and government tax portal. It is user-friendly and integrates well with Windows Server, though certificate performance can occasionally be an issue.
Information Technology Division Director at Ethiopian Roads Administration4.5My company uses IIS for web applications, deploying them externally post-development. We value its consistent improvements and robust ROI. While it's already beneficial, adding AI features would enhance it further, and its visibility could use refinement.
Testtool expert at Helvetia Versicherungen2.5I primarily use Windows Server for Eggplant Manager, but I am currently dissatisfied with its stability. There are significant issues affecting performance that need addressing, and improvements in this area would enhance my experience with the system.