An important issue in the initial phase of launching a Web presence is Web platform selection. The Web platform is the foundation of a Web site. It drives software choices, the type and level of required technical expertise, administrative control, and site scalability as a business grows.

Windows-based platforms were developed to manage user-friendly software for the sharing of network-based resources. They have been widely adopted by users with minimal technical expertise because of their easy user interface and because many users are familiar with related Microsoft products and applications. The Windows-based platforms support the broad array of Microsoft applications and have enabled "non-techies" to administer servers and run Web sites.

The chart below depicts some factors of the Windows operating system.

Factors	Windows
Easy to use
Requires less technical expertise
Expansion of features and functionality as a Web business grows
Reliable
Integration with Microsoft applications and ASP (active server pages)