Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of the Microsoft� Solution for Windows�-based Hosting for Applications Version 1.0. The new solution provides independent software vendors (ISVs) and hosting service providers with the platform, tools and best practices to deliver software as a service, an area in which leading IT market research and advisory firm IDC estimates spending will reach $10.7 billion (U.S.) worldwide by 2009.

�Software as a service offers new business opportunities for ISVs and service providers, but also presents new challenges as they must enable on-site applications for delivery as a hosted service,� said Pascal Martin, general manager of Worldwide Hosting at Microsoft. �In the Hosting Group we have a unique set of expertise and experience in utilizing the Microsoft platform and tools to help our industry partners enable such solutions and offerings. Windows-based Hosting for Applications provides ISVs and service providers with tools and guidance to maximize the software-as-a-service opportunity.�

To fully benefit from the new landscape for delivering applications to end users, ISVs and hosting service providers will strive to change many operating procedures that have been the norm. They have to ensure that their applications and services are readily available 24x7 in an environment vastly different from the traditional client/server model, and they must change billing and licensing procedures and enable remote access to the application, among other considerations.