The Web server role lets you share information with users on the Internet, an intranet, or an extranet. Windows Server 2008 delivers IIS 7, which is a unified Web platform that integrates IIS, ASP.NET, Windows Communication Foundation, and Windows SharePoint Services.

IIS 7 allows developers to customize the functionality of Internet Information Services (IIS), create applications to assist in managing IIS, or create applications that run on IIS. IIS 7 also enables the extensibility of configuration, scripting, event logging, and administration tools, providing software developers with a complete server platform on which to build Web server extensions. 

Key features of the IIS 7 release are as follows:

• A unified platform that delivers a single, consistent developer and administrator model for Web solutions.

• Enhanced security and separate modules to reduce exposure to security attacks.

• Flexible extensibility to enable customization and extension.

• Simplified problem resolution through powerful diagnostic and troubleshooting tools.

• Delegated administration for hosting and enterprise workloads.

• Improved configuration and server farm support.

IIS 7 delivers a unified Web platform that integrates IIS, ASP.NET, Windows Communication Foundation, and Windows SharePoint Services. IIS 7 is a major Web server enhancement and plays a central role in unifying the Web platform.