[Info-vax] Using VMS for a web server

[Dirk Munk]

I've always been in favour of using VMS for a web server. The reason is 
quite simple, VMS is quite save out of the box (now Hoff is going to 
explain to us that other operating systems improved very much, and that 
certain aspects of VMS are not as save any more :-) ), and that it is 
unknown to the script kiddies.

Secure web servers are vitally important for companies and institutions, 
so a save web server can be a selling point.

There are three web server packages for VMS: OSU, WASD and Apache (aka 
Compaq Secure Web Server CSWS, these days HP Secure Web Server but still 
CSWS ?!?). I've worked with CSWS in the past, it seemed the natural 
choice given the popularity of Apache - at least at the time.

I've been reading more on WASD, and more specifically on the performance 
and security aspects. Performance wise, WASD is much better than CSWS, 
and I've read about certain security problems with CSWS (can't find the 
link again I'm afraid). WASD is a 'real' VMS product instead of a 
Unix/Linux product made to run on VMS, like Apache is.

Also, in general the popularity of Apache is dwindling in favour of the 
Microsoft web server. The latter seems to be much faster.

So now I wonder if it wouldn't be better to focus on WASD instead of 
CSWS as the standard web server for VMS. The Australian company VMS 
Software Services Pty and VSI and much more comparable than was the case 
with Compaq or HP.  Together the two might be able to build a set of 
nice web server products for VMS.

As usual, your thoughts please.