March 22, 2007 – (HOSTSEARCH.COM) – March 20, 2007 saw Microsoft announce updates to it Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration (HMC) Version 4.0 and Microsoft Solution for Windows-based Hosting Version 4.5. The announcement was made at the company’s Global Hosting Summit (http://www.mshostingsummit.spaces.live.com).
HMC Version 4.0 utilizes Exchange Server 2007. This offers built-in technologies that “reduce spam and viruses, enable confidential communications, and aid compliance of regulatory or corporate policies”. Employees using the system benefit from “anywhere access” to email, voice mail, calendars and contacts through the Internet and a number of clients and devices. The solution also incorporates Microsoft Office Outlook 2007, Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 and Microsoft Windows Mobile 6 to provide “a complete messaging and collaboration service delivering the best possible user experience”.
Enhancements to Windows-based Hosting Version 4.5 help reduce web hosting operational costs and offer a range of web applications to businesses of all sizes. The new version incorporates Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, which provides web-based applications to address specific business needs (time management, project tracking, etc.). SharePoint 3.0 offers 40 pre-built application templates. The new version also provides a Microsoft SQL Server Hosting Toolkit, which “makes it easy for hosters to deploy an SQL Server database in a hosted environment”.
“Hosting providers are at a critical crossroads as the demand for hosted services continues to increase exponentially, particularly from SMBs,” explained Microsoft’s Director of Worldwide Hosting, John Zanni. “Successful hosters need to go beyond traditional hosting and cost-effectively develop and offer value-added services that will help deepen customer relationships and differentiate themselves from the myriad commodity options that currently exist. Microsoft provides the platform, solutions and guidance to help service providers achieve this.”
