Microsoft Launches Free Hosting Program

November 28, 2005 -- Software giant Microsoft (microsoft.com) announced on Monday that it had launched the Microsoft Hosting Program, a free service that provides Web hosts with technical tools and resources to help them manage and deploy Microsoft products.

The program gives hosts free downloads of the Microsoft Solution for Windows-based Hosting and Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration platforms. Members also receive a monthly newsletter that includes technical information, product updates, case studies and marketing resources. Participation qualifies hosts for the Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement, a requirement for offering Microsoft-based hosting services and hosted applications.

"Hosting service providers represent an important channel for Microsoft," says Pascal Martin, general manager of Worldwide Hosting at Microsoft. "We are making strong investments in technical and marketing solutions that help them rapidly deploy and profitably operate offerings that address the needs of their customers. The Microsoft Hosting Program announced today is vital in giving our service provider partners the solutions and additional knowledge, tools and community resources they need to successfully grow their business on the Windows platform."

Microsoft also recently announced the Hosting Solutions Specialization for the Microsoft Partner Program. Partners who earn the Hosting Solutions Specialization have proven their proficiency in delivering hosted services on built on Microsoft technology.