(WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) — Fasthosts Internet (www.fasthosts.co.uk) and PacHosting (www.pachosting.com) have become the latest web hosts to work with Microsoft to promote the new Microsoft WebsiteSpark initiative, which assists smaller web design and development companies in launching or growing their business by providing better access to the Microsoft web platform.
Originally launched two weeks ago, WebsiteSpark delivers Microsoft’s server operating system, free licenses for Microsoft Expression and Visual Studio software, as well as training and access to MSDN newsgroups for free to eligible developers. By partnering with Microsoft in this initiative, web hosts stand to gain new customers interested in Microsoft’s web platform, and they will also be included in Microsoft’s marketing campaigns through a portal scheduled to launch this year.
According to its Thursday announcement, eligible Fasthosts customers can save over £240 a year in server licensing costs as well as valuable software licences direct from Microsoft. The scheme is an example of how businesses can gain significantly from discussing their technical requirements and business needs with Fasthosts.
WebsiteSpark offers new support for web design and development agencies with up to 10 employees. Eligible Fasthosts customers gain an immediate financial benefit, saving £240 per year with a free Windows Server license and saving even more with a free MSSQL license. Upon enrolment, members gain access to a free Windows Expression Studio 2 user license, two Expression Web 2 user licenses, three Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition user licenses and the DotNetPanel control panel.
“WebsiteSpark is an excellent opportunity for smaller web agencies,” Fasthosts chief marketing officer Steve Holford said in a statement. “It delivers exactly what they need most – free tools and practical help. As hosting partner to thousands of web pros, Fasthosts is well qualified to advise participants on how to apply Windows hardware and development tools to best effect.”
In a separate Thursday announcement, PacHosting said it had joined the WebsiteSpark Program as a network partner, giving eligible customers access to the latest Microsoft software and solution licenses including Windows Web Server, Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Expression Studio and Microsoft SQL Server Web edition, at no added cost for those leasing advanced server solutions from PacHosting.
“Many Web development and design firms lack hosting expertise to deploy and manage Microsoft Web Platform at scale,” PacHosting business analyst Natalie Kong said in a statement. “The WebsiteSpark Program enables us to realize their potential with affordable access to designer and developer programs. At the same time, we help them avoid pitfalls and develop their work with the enhanced functionality and significant value by latest Microsoft technologies.”
PacHosting will also offer WebsiteSpark Program members discounted hosting solutions including its Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V virtual dedicated server, and Windows Server 2008 R2 Dedicated Server with Microsoft SQL Server 2008 offerings to further bolster their business growth and success.
