Which of the following is the BEST way to allow web software through the server firewall?

Implementing an application exception allows the specific web software executable to communicate through the server's firewall, rather than broadly opening a port, providing more granular control and enhanced security. This method ensures only the trusted application can use the allowed port, preventing other unauthorized processes from leveraging the open port.

An access control list (ACL) is a broader concept used for network device access or file system permissions, not typically for allowing a specific application through a server's host-based firewall.

Opening the corporate firewall to allow port 80 is a network-level change, which is too broad and insecure for allowing web software through the server's own host-based firewall.

Implementing port blocking on port 80 would prevent web software from functioning, as web traffic typically uses port 80 (HTTP) or 443 (HTTPS).