March 25, 2008 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- Web hosting software provider Parallels (parallels.com), formerly known as SWsoft, announced on Tuesday it is offering service providers an Application Packaging Standard certification service, which is administered by the independent firm Tier 1 Research (t1r.com).
The certification rewards software as a service application providers with either an APS Gold or APS Silver certification. This certification ensures that service providers use high-quality, redundant infrastructure for APS-compliant application delivery.
For independent software vendors, the certification ensures the most recent version of their applications can be delivered by the service provider. For end users of SaaS, the certification ensures that the application will integrate seamlessly and can operate premises in a high-quality operating environment.
Offered as a partnership between Parallels and Tier 1 Research, the program includes start-up services for certification, audits, as well as a support structure to enable the smooth integration of the initial certification.
The certification will involve running a test suite of software applications that is estimated to take about 30 days. The program also has an annual re-certification process to maintain or upgrade a certification level.
"Parallels wants service providers to be able to easily deliver a broad range of software applications to their customers with the assurance that those applications will be up-to-date, integrate and perform as expected," says Serguei Beloussov, CEO of Parallels. "The APS Certification Service offers service providers an opportunity to differentiate themselves in the market as they strive to meet the growing needs of their customers."
Designed for service providers that intend to deliver the highest quality SaaS support, the Gold level initial certification costs $10,000 for the first year and $5,000 for renewals each year after. The Silver level is $2,500 for the first year and $1,250 for renewals. There is also a no fee, base level "APS Partner" designation for service providers that use Parallels' products, since it already establishes a basis for delivering APS-compliant applications.
Earlier this month, Parallels announced that Web hosting provider 1&1 Internet will offer APS-compliant, open source applications to its 1.7 million German-speaking hosting customers.
