Apache uses the OpenSSL libraries to provide certain SSL functionality within Apache. OpenSSL is also used to generate the Certificate Signing Request which is necessary for you to have an SSL certificate issued. It can be used to convert certificates and it handles many other functionality related to SSL certificates.
OpenSSL library is used by many other applications as well. There are alternative SSL libraries available, but not applications can use these additional libraries.
OpenSSL library is used by many other applications as well. There are alternative SSL libraries available, but not applications can use these additional libraries.