| Runtime & OS | Windows Server with IIS only | Cross-platform Linux containers (Docker / Kubernetes) |
| Frontend Architecture | Heavy ViewState, server controls, postbacks | Clean component-based React / Next.js with sub-second transitions |
| API Design | Tightly coupled SOAP or WCF endpoints | High-performance RESTful or gRPC APIs |
| Hosting Expense | High (Windows Server license per CPU core) | Low (Lightweight Linux containers or serverless edge) |
| Deployment Velocity | Multi-hour downtime maintenance windows | Zero-downtime CI/CD automated deployments |