Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration Version 4.0, and Microsoft Solution for Windows-based Hosting Version 4.5.

Microsoft, yesterday announced updates to two solutions for hosting service providers: Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration Version 4.0 and Microsoft Solution for Windows-based Hosting Version 4.5.

The solutions make use of features in the recently launched Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 and Windows SharePoint Services 3.0, two Microsoft products that improve communications and information sharing and increase worker productivity. With these updates, service providers will have an expanded set of tools along with guidance to help them deliver a complete suite of hosted services to small and midsize businesses, says the company.

"Hosting providers are at a critical crossroads as the demand for hosted services continues to increase exponentially, particularly from SMBs," said John Zanni, Director of Worldwide Hosting at Microsoft. "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."