.NET Handler vs ISAPI Module

ACEweb provides two options that can interface with IIS:

• .NET Managed Handler - a high-level, managed interface for IIS. The .NET handler uses a C# .NET implementation that is more efficient, uses more stable COM base interfaces, provides better memory and thread management, and failure management.

The .NET handler is the better implementation for IIS 7 and later, optimized for IIS's integrated request pipeline. Because it's a managed .NET codebase rather than low-level C++, it's more adaptable and quicker for fixes/enhancements.

The .NET implementation also has a number of additional features related to Web Connection Server management that aren't available in the ISAPI version. For example, the ability to apply updates without the need to stop IIS, and a simple interface to set the number of COM servers to run.

• ISAPI Module - an older, low-level unmanaged interface for IIS, using the ISAPI protocol implemented in a Win32 DLL.

While ISAPI is efficient, it's difficult to manage and update. In addition, while the ISAPI module includes a manually implemented COM pool manager, it's not as efficient as the .NET implementation.

We strongly recommend switching to the .NET web connection handler. Talk with your ACEware technician about making the switch during your next ACEweb update.