Datasheet
Summary
IIS 7.0 is an evolution of previous IIS versions, building on their strengths while overcoming their weak-
nesses. Microsoft has listened to user comments on previous versions and responded positively, to make
IIS 7.0 the most robust, configurable, and secure version of their web server. In addition, Microsoft has
further enhanced the tie between IIS and ASP.NET, making IIS 7.0 a fully functional application server
with entirely integrated processing and configuration of both sides.
Programmers will see the improvements in IIS 7.0 as making their job easier and more manageable. They
will no longer need to justify web server changes that might affect numerous sites just to adapt to their
application. True XCopy deployment of applications and configurations will allow them to spend less
time on deployment schemes that need to work around server configurations. Senior programmers on a
site will be able to delegate appropriate permissions for configuration changes to junior programmers,
just as administrators will delegate permission to developers.
Administrators will find that the delegation in IIS 7.0 greatly assists in lowering the administrative effort
required to maintain an IIS server. Administrators will be able to granularly control their servers and site
administration functions while allowing developers to control the areas they need to. Security concerns
about opening servers to development staff are a thing of the past, and auditors will be pleased with the
control available. The reduction in security exposure provided by the modular installation, as well as the
ability to provide unified authentication across an entire site, will further help to lock down an already
secure system. Administrators will also enjoy the simplified and unified management tools.
Both administrators and developers will appreciate IIS 7.0’s tracing and diagnostic capabilities. The abil-
ity to see into a request will ease troubleshooting failed requests as well as allow better tuning for per-
formance even in completed requests. The modularity of IIS will also appeal to both camps, especially
the ability to write custom modules that sit in the request pipeline and affect all requests, whether for a
custom authentication system or simply to add a copyright notice to all images or content served.
After reviewing this chapter, you should have a good idea of the changes and new features in IIS 7.0.
The following chapters will take you through installing and configuring the web server and environ-
ment. If you have a particular interest, feel free to skip to the chapter or chapters covering it. Otherwise,
let’s take an in-depth look at the architecture of IIS 7.0, followed by planning your installation and
installing IIS 7.0.
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Part 1: Introduction and Deployment
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