LiteSpeed Web Server is a fast, Apache alternative that conserves system resources without sacrificing performance, security, compatibility or convenience.
When used as a drop-in replacement for Apache, it's capable of handling thousands of concurrent clients with minimal memory consumption and CPU usage thanks to a streamlined, event-driven architecture as opposed to Apache's process-based model.
Why Use LiteSpeed?
There are several reasons why we chose LiteSpeed over other available options:
- It supports the already familiar mod_security rules whilst also taking advantage of a host of built-in anti-DDoS features, including bandwidth and connection throttling.
- It allows for a higher server capacity, reducing the number of servers required without sacrificing reliability whilst also allowing us to lower our energy consumption and carbon footprint.
- By eliminating the need for an HTTPS reverse proxy or additional 3rd party caching layers, it allows us to reduce the complexity of our infrastructure.
- Unlike other options that act as front end proxies, LiteSpeed replaces all Apache functions, simplifying its use and management requirements.
- LiteSpeed has first party caching plugins for many popular web platforms including WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, PrestaShop, Magento and OpenCart (to name just a few).
WHY Not Apache+NGINX?
LiteSpeed was built from the ground up to incorporate the best of both worlds. An event driven architecture like nginx, and Apache .htaccess compatibility.
LiteSpeed has the ability to serve thousands of clients simultaneously with minimal memory and CPU usage and sudden traffic spikes are not a problem. Due to its ability to read Apache configuration files directly, LiteSpeed is (by design) compatible with control panels written for Apache, and has plugins available for some of the most popular.
Doesn't it cost more?
Not really, no. Whilst apache is free and LiteSpeed isn't, the performance and capacity increase from LiteSpeed is many more times greater than what we'd get from spending the same amount on hardware upgrades when running Apache. This results in a lower cost per account which we are then able to pass on to our customers.
So it's fast, but is it secure?
In today's world of information theft and security vulnerabilities, it's hardly surprising that the developers of LiteSpeed take security very seriously. The web server itself is mod_security compatible and comes equipped with cutting edge anti-DDoS features to stop attackers before they cause serious problems.
Of course, the safest security approach is a layered approach, which is why we use cutting-edge security techniques to sandbox every single account, independently of one another. This prevents code running in one account from accessing any information in another and also prevents accounts from consuming more resources than they have been allocated, which would otherwise lead to slow response times for other users. We're also on hand around the clock to undertake PCI scanning work and CMS hardening, to help keep your website as secure as can be. Additionally, all of our servers are kept patched up to date against the latest vulnerabilities, have Hyper-Threading is switched off (read why here) and are housed in an ISO27001 accredited datacenter.
In short: It's a faster, more efficient, secure, drop-in Apache alternative that powers all of our hosting.
