PHP has traditionally been a Linux only language. For a long time, various web hosting services didn’t allow customers to deploy PHP applications on Windows servers. As a result, great software such as WordPress and Joomla were locked away from many who enjoyed the benefits of these applications.
However, with the introduction of IIS7 and the integration of FastCGI into the core functionality of IIS, PHP now runs equally well on a Windows Server. Microsoft has aggressively updated its server software to ensure that there is no perceptible difference between the performance of PHP on Windows and Linux.
To make matters easier, the Web Platform Installer automatically installs PHP on IIS7 with no effort and with all the optimum configurations. With the Web application gallery, administrators can easily install hundreds of PHP utilities with the click of a button.
The PHP on Windows Contest
In order to promote awareness and competition in the PHP marketplace, the magazine PHP Architect has teamed up with Applied Innovations and is conducting a competition to reward the creator of the best PHP application on a Windows Server.
The winner who will be chosen both by a panel of experts as well as the readers will receive:
1. A 52 inch LCD HDTV
2. A Samsung Home theatre system
3. An Xbox 360 Ultimate
4. An all expenses paid trip to PHP|tek 2010 as well as an opportunity to showcase the software
There are two runner up prizes as well for the contestants placed second and third. Runner ups will obtain an XBox 360 Ultimate as well as a free one year subscription to PHP|architect.
The contest is open for all US residents since the flight tickets will be available from anywhere in the US. The voters however, can be from anywhere in the world and are eligible for a free one year subscription to PHP|architect.
Making Apache Look For Index.php Instead of Index.html
