Microsoft Ships Hosting Platform
Hosting for Applications Version 1.0, which targets independent software vendors and hosting service providers, includes software tools and information on best practices to design service-enabled software applications. Microsoft offers a monthly subscription-based licensing model that lets service providers and ISVs pay only for the software they use in a given time period.
Components of the hosting platform include Microsoft Operations Manager 2005, which helps in identifying and resolving problems in the hosted environment. Another component, the Microsoft Provisioning System, automates routine administrative service management tasks such as adding new users, updating directory entries and provisioning applications and services.
Hosting for Applications Version 1.0 is currently available. Pricing was not released.