Apache beats-off MS challenge with ease

The Apache open source Web server has marginally increased its lead over Microsoft’s rival products over the past year, according to the January 1999 Netcraft Web server survey. Netcraft regularly polls Web servers for data, and this month covered 4,062,280. According to the recent numbers Apache grew its share to 54.22 per cent against 53.78 per cent in December, while Microsoft in the number two slot declined from 23.5 per cent to 23.33 per cent. Both companies still saw healthy growth, however – sites running Apache increased from just under 2 million to 2.2 million, while Microsoft also put on nearly 10 per cent. The Netcraft figures put Netscape a poor third with 4.22 per cent of the market, but this probably understates the company’s position - Web server numbers seem pretty variable, depending on who you ask. Netcraft’s data (Click if you want more) also shows Web server uptake as a whole in a steep ramp, approximately doubling since January 1998. Microsoft’s failure to close the gap between the Apache and the Microsoft upward curves must however be dispiriting for the company. Apparently its efforts to push its own software are having no discernible impact at all. ®