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HAProxy, an open source TCP/HTTP load balancer software, is available for free and source can be downloaded from the HA Proxy site (http://www.haproxy.org). It runs on most Unix platforms such as Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD, OpenBSD and AIX. What makes HAProxy desirable is that it is free, easy to install, setup and maintain.
HAProxy supports both Layer 4 (tcp) and Layer 7 (http) load balancing modes. Layer 4 allows all data traffic to be forwarded directly to backend servers streamlining user requests. In Layer 7 mode, HAProxy can evaluate the HTTP headers and forward to backend servers based on content of user request. Support of both modes makes HAProxy a good low cost option for customers.
In addition to Layer 4 and 7 load balancing modes, HAProxy has support for the following:
For further information on HAProxy, refer to the HAProxy site. Also available from this site is a community forum to ask questions and documentation that can provide further details specific to HAProxy.