Icecast is a streaming media project released as free software maintained by the Xiph.org Foundation. It also refers specifically to the server program which is part of the project. Icecast was created in December 1998/January 1999 by Jack Moffitt and Barath Raghavan to provide an open source audio streaming server that anyone could modify, use, and tinker with.[1] Version 2 was started in 2001, a ground-up rewrite aimed at multi-format support (initially targeting Ogg Vorbis) and scalability.

The Icecast server is capable of streaming content as Vorbis over standard HTTP, Theora over HTTP, MP3 over the protocol used by SHOUTcast, AAC, and NSV over the SHOUTcast protocol. (Theora, AAC, and NSV are only supported in version 2.2.0 and newer.) It uses external programs, called “source clients”, to originate the streams, and the Icecast project includes a source client program known as IceS. The source runs typically in the place where the audio is generated (e. g. a studio) and the Icecast server in a place where a lot of bandwidth is available (e. g., a colocation).
It has similar functionality to the proprietary media server program SHOUTcast, by Nullsoft.

Details about Shoutcast DNAS

SHOUTcast is server software for streaming media developed by Nullsoft. It allows digital audio content, primarily in MP3 or HE-AAC format, to be broadcast to and from media player software, enabling hobbyists and professionals to create Internet radio networks. At least one GPL’d compatible streaming system also exists, Icecast.

SHOUTcast is cross-platform, and freeware.

A feature of SHOUTcast servers is the ability to optionally publish server information, including the current number of listeners, in a directory of stations that Nullsoft maintains on the SHOUTcast website. Site visitors can pick a station to listen to and download a playlist file for use in their own SHOUTcast-capable media player.

In September 2008, Nullsoft redesigned the SHOUTcast website[3], which had been roughly the same since 2000. As part of the redesign, the directory and services were rebranded as “SHOUTcast Radio”, rather than “SHOUTcast Streaming Technology.” The redesign included a fully functional option to view the site and directory with the old layout.

So basically getting down to the nittly gritty of the SHOUTcast vs Icecast debate.  It all basically boils down to being able to be listed on the SHOUTcast directory.  If you need that functionality then you should go with SHOUTcast.  But if you want more features including getting the ID3 tags to your website then Icecast is the better choice.  There are alot of technical details as to why Icecast is better but I wont bore you with those.  Suffice it to say Icecast is better all around.  The only thing that Icecast doesnt do is post your radio station on the SHOUTcast directory.  However Icecast has several directories that it posts to while not as popular as the SHoutcast directory.

Not the newest information but its a good thing that we only run on dedicated servers!

A large amount of webhosts and streaming hosts have been shut down today after data for as many as 100,000 websites was destroyed by attackers who targeted a zero-day vulnerability in a widely-used virtualization application.

Read more here.
http://www.broadcastingworld.net/news/view-74/