Today at HostingCon 2006, Microsoft Corp. 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.�