Microsoft Enhances Windows-Based Hosting

Updated solution provides support for SQL Server 2005 and ASP.NET 2.0 to help service providers compete in an increasingly commoditized market.

Microsoft has announced the availability of Microsoft Solution for Windows-based Hosting Version 4.0, which helps Web hosting providers rapidly launch new services; target 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 also enables service providers to offer highly profitable managed services to their customers and resellers, including database hosting with SQL Server 2005 and security update management.

In addition, 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".

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