Tweet
But where? What service is best?
The world is divided into two parts:
- The OPEN STACK - Linux, Unix, Apache web server, MySQL database, PHP, JAVA
- The MICROSOFT STACK - Windows server, IIS web server, SQL Server database, .NET (or PHP)
The "OPEN STACK" is freeware. This allows hosting companies to keep the cost of startup and operations very low.
The "MICROSOFT STACK" is commercial-grade software sold by and supported by Microsoft which is more expensive to license than freeware.
However, there is also a "HYBRID STACK" which uses the Microsoft Windows OS on the server with IIS web server and PHP (for Windows).
I should also mention the CUSTOM STACK solutions that are not as well known but are very powerful for specialized or highly customized solutions: Dyalog APL running MiServer (one of my favorites).
On TOP of these technology "STACKS" you run your Portal web site pages and applications.
Most of the larger hosting companies provide both the OPEN and MICROSOFT hosting stacks. Usually, the MICROSOFT stack is more expensive, since the hosting company must pay for the ongoing Microsoft Windows Server and SQL Server license fees.
While 95% of the PHP code might be the same for either OPEN or MICROSOFT hosting stacks, there are differences.
Here's a few good links to help explain the details of these 2 fundamental HOSTING platforms:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_system_(computing)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Server_2012