A Web cache (or HTTP cache) is an information technology for the temporary storage (caching) of Web documents, such as Web pages, images, and other types of Web multimedia, to reduce server lag. A Web cache system stores copies of documents passing through it; subsequent requests may be satisfied from the cache if certain conditions are met. A Web cache system can refer either to an appliance or to a computer program.
The following is a list of dedicated Web caching server software:
| Name |
Operating system |
Forward
mode |
Reverse
mode |
License |
| Apache HTTP Server |
Windows, OS X, Linux, Unix, FreeBSD, Solaris, Novell NetWare, OS/2, TPF, OpenVMS and eComStation |
No |
Apache License 2.0 |
| aiScaler Dynamic Cache Control |
Linux |
Proprietary |
| ApplianSys CACHEbox |
Linux |
Proprietary |
| Blue Coat ProxySG |
SGOS |
Yes |
Yes |
Proprietary |
| Nginx |
Linux, BSD variants, OS X, Solaris, AIX, HP-UX, other *nix flavors |
No |
Yes |
2-clause BSD-like |
| Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway |
Windows |
Yes |
Yes |
Proprietary |
| Polipo |
Windows, OS X, Linux, OpenWrt, FreeBSD |
Yes |
Yes |
MIT License |
| Squid |
Linux, Unix, Windows |
Yes |
Yes |
GNU General Public License |
| Traffic Server |
Linux, Unix |
Yes |
Yes |
Apache License 2.0 |
| Untangle |
Linux |
Yes |
Yes |
Proprietary |
| Varnish |
Linux, Unix |
Yes (possible with a VMOD) |
Yes |
BSD |
| WinGate |
Windows |
Yes |
Yes |
Proprietary / Free for 3 users |
| Nuster |
Linux, Unix |
No |
Yes |
GNU General Public License |
| McAfee Web Gateway |
McAfee Linux Operating System |
Yes |
Yes |
Proprietary |
