DesktopServer vs Microsoft Web Platform Installer

DesktopServer

Description: DesktopServer is an open source WAMP (Windows, Apache, MySQL and PHP) distribution that allows developers to run web server software on Windows desktops for testing purposes. It is free, easy to install and configure.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Microsoft Web Platform Installer

Description: The Microsoft Web Platform Installer is a free tool that makes it simple to download, install and keep up-to-date with the latest components of the Microsoft Web Platform, including IIS, SQL Server Express, .NET Framework and Visual Studio.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

DesktopServer Features

• Bundled with Apache, MySQL, PHP and other components required for web development
• Allows running a web server on Windows desktop for testing purposes
• Open source and free to download and use
• Easy to install and configure
• Supports running PHP applications locally
• Includes phpMyAdmin for MySQL database administration
• Allows choosing desired versions of Apache, PHP, MySQL etc during setup
• Portable installation allows running from USB drives
• Includes web-based DesktopServer control panel

Microsoft Web Platform Installer Features

• Installs various Microsoft web platform components like IIS, .NET Framework, SQL Server Express
• Simplifies installation and configuration of Microsoft web apps and frameworks
• Automates dependency resolution
• Provides smooth upgrades for installed components
• Centralized hub for managing Microsoft web platform

DesktopServer

• Open Source

Microsoft Web Platform Installer

• Open Source