Best Microsoft WSE Runtime Alternatives in 2025

Looking for alternatives to Microsoft WSE Runtime? In this comparison, we take a closer look at Microsoft WSE Runtime alongside similar software solutions including Microsoft WSE Runtime, Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack, Microsoft Web Platform Installer, IIS Express, LocalServiceComponents, WCF RIA Services SP1 and SwifDoo PDF.

Our detailed comparison table highlights key features, pricing, and performance of these leading solutions, empowering you to make an informed decision. Whether you're seeking robust functionality, user-friendly design, or cost-effective alternatives, explore how Microsoft WSE Runtime, Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack, Microsoft Web Platform Installer, IIS Express, LocalServiceComponents, WCF RIA Services SP1 and SwifDoo PDF stack up to find the perfect software for your goals.

Primary Purpose

Microsoft WSE Runtime
Microsoft WSE Runtime
Provides advanced web service features such as message-level security and reliable messaging for secure and interoperable web services.
M
Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
Offers additional reference assemblies for developing applications targeting specific .NET Framework versions.
Microsoft Web Platform Installer
Microsoft Web Platform Installer
A free tool for installing and managing Microsoft and non-Microsoft web development components and frameworks.
IIS Express
IIS Express
Lightweight, self-contained web server for developing and testing web applications locally.
LocalServiceComponents
LocalServiceComponents
Provides lightweight, modular local Windows services to improve performance and resource utilization.
WCF RIA Services SP1
WCF RIA Services SP1
Framework simplifying development of n-tier data-driven applications with integration to Silverlight and Entity Framework.
SwifDoo PDF
SwifDoo PDF
Standalone PDF software library offering PDF creation, editing, encryption, conversion, and document generation.

Dependencies and Compatibility

Microsoft WSE Runtime
Microsoft WSE Runtime
.NET Framework (various versions), interoperable with Internet Explorer and supports WS-* specifications; no official support for other languages.
M
Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
Supports various programming languages within the .NET ecosystem; requires Visual Studio tools and may need internet connection for installation.
Microsoft Web Platform Installer
Microsoft Web Platform Installer
Depends on internet connection; manages dependencies automatically including Microsoft and non-Microsoft components like MySQL, PHP.
IIS Express
IIS Express
+Requires Windows OS; integrates with Visual Studio; standalone package without full IIS installation needed.
LocalServiceComponents
LocalServiceComponents
Works with multiple Windows versions; supports COM+ and other Windows technologies; requires proper configuration for optimal performance.
WCF RIA Services SP1
WCF RIA Services SP1
Built on WCF and ADO.NET with support for Entity Framework; integrates with Silverlight and Visual Studio.
SwifDoo PDF
SwifDoo PDF
Depends on .NET Framework 1.x or 2.0; compatible with multiple programming languages; standalone with no third-party software required.

Key Features

Microsoft WSE Runtime
Microsoft WSE Runtime
Advanced web services features: message-level security, policy-driven security, reliable messaging, WS-Security, WS-Trust support.
M
Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack
Provides strict version targeting, reference assemblies, seamless development experience, robust integration & security.
Microsoft Web Platform Installer
Microsoft Web Platform Installer
Centralized management of various components with dependency checking; supports latest versions of popular web apps like Drupal, Joomla, WordPress.
IIS Express
IIS Express
Supports debugging of web applications with certificates support; default port 8080; intended for development not production environments.
LocalServiceComponents
LocalServiceComponents
Component-based architecture offering scalability, simplified management, improved performance through local lightweight services.
WCF RIA Services SP1
WCF RIA Services SP1
Built-in support for authorization, automatic code generation for client-side code, support for LINQ queries, data validation and cross-domain communication.
SwifDoo PDF
SwifDoo PDF
PDF creation/editing/encryption, digital signatures, form filling, cloud storage integration, extensive documentation and user-friendly interface.

Choosing the right software isn’t just about features. Size, license type, user ratings, and popularity also matter.

This quick comparison shows how Microsoft WSE Runtime stacks up against Microsoft WSE Runtime, Microsoft .NET Framework Targeting Pack, Microsoft Web Platform Installer, IIS Express, LocalServiceComponents, WCF RIA Services SP1 and SwifDoo PDF in these key areas—helping you find the best alternative for your needs.