Microsoft enhances solution for Windows-Based Hosting

LAS VEGAS: Microsoft

Corp. announced the availability of Microsoft solution for Windows-based

hosting version 4.0 which is targeted to developers of Web applications; and

increase operational efficiency in their business through best practices, tools,

scripts and code samples. The updated solution includes support for the recently

launched Microsoft SQL Server 2005 and ASP.NET 2.0, as well as guidance for

hosters just starting out with Windows.

“There is a significant trend toward commoditization at the lower end of

the Web hosting market, driving service providers of all sizes to seek new ways

to add value, increase revenues and lower costs,” said John Zanni,

director of worldwide hosting at Microsoft. “With the added support for

updated Microsoft products SQL

Server 2005 and ASP.NET

2.0 in version 4.0 of the Solution for Windows-based Hosting, we're giving

service providers the ability to easily host software-as-a-service applications

and target the developers who are building them.”

Windows-based Hosting Version 4.0 helps hosting providers of all sizes lower

costs by providing best practices and guidance for increasing server density and

automating common infrastructure management tasks such as server builds and

monitoring and reporting.

The new version includes database hosting with SQL Server 2005 and security

update management. In addition to it the scalable and flexible platform enables

hosting providers to quickly build and launch new applications and service

offerings that help increase average revenue per user (ARPU). ASP.NET 2.0 with

SQL Server 2005 combined with freely available Visual Web Developer Express

Edition creates a powerful package for developing software-as-a-service

applications; Windows-based Hosting 4.0 gives hosters the tools and guidance

they need to support such a platform.

“Windows-based Hosting 4.0 has strengthened not only our relationship with

Microsoft, but also our confidence in it to deliver what we, as hosters,

actually need to compete in this market space,” said Frederik Poelman,

technical director, Combell Group NV. “Microsoft has focused on our needs,

just as we strive to focus on our customers' needs. The result is a platform

that will help us cut our management costs substantially over the course of the

year.”

Microsoft Solution for Windows-based Hosting Version 4.0 will be available

worldwide from Aug. 4