- Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) = the software
- webserver software that runs on windows OSs to host and deliver web content like sites and applications = the server for IIS
- known for its integration with the .NET framework and its ability to host ASP.NET web apps along with php and other stuff
- has built in request filtering and supports various auth methods and can even manage SSL/TLS certs
- devs can add new modules with more features due to its open and extensible architecture
- can be managed remotely via CLI. has powershell support
- relies on AD for user auth. this is achieved by enabling the Windows Authenticaton feature in IIS that disables anonymous access