LiteSpeed Web Server: A Lightweight, High-Performance Alternative to Apache

What Exactly Is LiteSpeed?

LiteSpeed is a high-performance, high-scalability lightweight web server designed and operated by LiteSpeed Technologies Inc. Currently outperforming Apache on many levels, LiteSpeed can be used as a drop-in replacement for Apache with minimal configuration required.

Currently the favored web server for high-end websites and portals such as: blogging giant WordPress.com, Slovakia's largest portal Zoznam.sk, Indonesian community forum Kaskus.us, Lyrics.com, Download3000.com, FanFiction.net and web hosts such as: MediaLayer, MDDHosting, Bravenet.com and HawkHost, to name a few.

LiteSpeed is a proven, industry recognized web server that has been the first choice for people and companies seeking a technologically advanced, secure, fast, reliable web server to improve the performance of websites and hosting services.

Available Options and Pricing

LiteSpeed is currently available in two formats: A free Standard Edition and an licenced Enterprise Edition. The Enterprise Edition licences are:

• Leased - Valid only for the duration of the leased period
• Owned - One-time permanent licence
• VPS - Specifically for VPS users. Support for Virtuozzo, OpenVZ VPS, XEN, VMWare and UserModeLinux VPS

The cost of a LiteSpeed licence will depend on the number of CPUs you wish to install the software on. Here is the current price list for Leased and Owned licences.

* VPS license is a limited edition with the restriction of 2GB memory and 500 concurrent connections. 1-CPU license is required for VPS with higher spec.

LiteSpeed as an Apache Replacement

LiteSpeed is not only a high-performance web server, it can act as a direct Apache replacement and is compatible with popular control panels. It makes an ideal replacement for Apache because:

• It supports .htaccess with Apache compatibility.
• It has a rewrite engine compatible with Apache mod_rewrite
• It has request filtering compatible with Apache mod_security
• It can be used as a drop-in replacement for control panels written for Apache

Advantages of Using LiteSpeed Web Server

LiteSpeed also offers the following features:

• The dedicated PHP LiteSpeed SAPI module helps the LiteSpeed web server outperform servers using mod_php and FastCGI
• LiteSpeed supports PHPsuEXEC. There is no compromise to phpsuexec or suphp.
• Fast, reliable Ruby on Rails set-up
• Real-time statistics for the entire server (even at virtual host level)
• IPv6 network ready
• Unlimited virtual hosting
• Support for a vast number of server API and scripting languages
• GZIP compression
• Keep Alive enabled for media content

LiteSpeed and Security

LiteSpeed employs many security measures. It offers a level of protection redundant on many rival web servers. Security measures include:

• Chroot jail (Enterprise Editions only)
• IP level bandwidth throttling
• Connection accounting
• Strict HTTP request checking
• URL context filtering

(D)DoS Protection

LiteSpeed uses a clever system of CGI resource limitation to fend of potential "fork bomb" attacks. LiteSpeed will limit the maximum number of concurrent CGI processes (this limit is configurable) and the maximum system resource consumption for each CGI process.

It provides file system protection by requiring certain strict conditions be satisfied before any static files are served.

LiteSpeed Vs. Apache: Speed and PHP Transition

• LiteSpeed is proven to be more than 6 times faster than Apache (when serving small static files)
• With a 50% faster PHP performance than mod_php, LiteSpeed has also shown preferential performance over suphp and phpsuexec
• LiteSpeed offers side-by-side support for PHP4 and PHP5. With none of the issues found with Apache. Many people are switching to LiteSpeed in order to provide customers with a smooth transition form PHP4 to PHP5.

Why Choose a LiteSpeed Web Server?

A LiteSpeed web server outperforms its Apache rival in many important areas. Even with the new Apache + Varnish combination, it is still proving to be faster and less resource-hungry than Apache. Faster delivery and increased server stability means LiteSpeed help you to provide a superior service to customers and clients.

It is fully compatible with popular control panels (like cPanel and Plesk) and the Apache configuration which means no switching complications. The transition from Apache to LiteSpeed is guaranteed to be painless and hassle-free.

It can reduce your overall hardware and rental charges with its low memory footprint and smaller server loads. LiteSpeed offers the opportunity to get more for your money by increasing the the ability to have more customers on one physical server.

Reliability, simple configuration, and high level of security means LiteSpeed will not only defend against server attacks, it can help keep a server operational during traffic spikes and fluctuations.

If there is one downside to LiteSpeed is the cost. A LiteSpeed web server will cost more than its Apache rival (and many other lightweight server competitors). But what you get for this additional expense is a high-performance, lightning fast, reliable web server which increases website performance and can reduce the need for hardware upgrades.

• Litespeed Server Performance
• LiteSpeed Vs Apache Showdown
• How Much RAM Does Your Dedicated Server Need?
• Dedicated Server Security Cheat Sheet
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