OrcsWeb, a managed hosting provider, today announced that it has launched Cytanium, a web hosting service built on its cloud server architecture, in conjunction with the release of Microsoft’s WebMatrix.

The company explains that all Cytanium customers will have access to free hosting to use the beta version of WebMatrix. Microsoft has just introduced this beta version of WebMatrix, an easy and free way to get started building websites on Windows. WebMatrix includes everything you need so you can start building, customizing and deploying your web sites in one common, straightforward experience for developers of all skill sets. The product includes a Web Server (IIS Developer Express), Database (SQL Server Compact), and programming Framework (ASP.NET) and makes it easy to create a new web site from scratch or use the Web Application Gallery to customize popular ASP.NET and PHP open source community applications. WebMatrix also seamlessly integrates with Microsoft’s professional development tools and servers including Visual Studio, SQL Server and Windows Server. WebMatrix is designed to include everything that developers of all backgrounds and interests need to build and run web sites on Windows.

It states that the Cytanium hosting platform will afford developers with the opportunity to become early adopters of new technologies. With Cytanium’s secure, isolated environment, developers can enjoy access to and participation in the testing of beta programs and applications in advance of a product’s formal release.

“We are very excited that our Cytanium brand is one of only a few hosting providers that has been recommended by Microsoft for their WebMatrix beta program. OrcsWeb has always been an early adopter and supporter of new Microsoft programs and technologies; Cytanium will continue in that tradition,” said Brad Kingsley, OrcsWeb CEO and Founder.

URL source: http://www.webhosting.info/news/1/orcsweb-launches-cytanium-web-hosting_0712107867.htm

Site5, a shared, reseller, VPS, and dedicated hosting provider, today announced the launch of cloud hosting services, introducing Shared Cloud Hosting and Cloud Virtual Private Servers. The company says that it will continue to offer its existing line of traditional hosting solutions.

It states that the new cloud hosting services combine its array of features and customer support with the agility and reliability of cloud hosting architecture. Cloud hosting offers scalability, since nodes can be seamlessly upgraded and system resources can be instantly allocated across physical servers as needed. Cloud hosting also offers rapid failover protection, quickly activating parallel nodes in the event of a hardware failure or other outage.

The company further states that Shared Cloud Hosting is available in three standard configurations, starting at just $22.50 per month for 2GB of disk space and 50GB of monthly bandwidth. All plans include free website migration to the company, a dedicated IP address, the SiteAdmin control panel, and automatic data backups.

According to the company, Cloud Virtual Private Servers are customizable to a great extent. Customers may choose from 10 standard configurations, starting at $100 per month for 15GB of disk space, 600GB of monthly bandwidth, and a node powered by 756MB of RAM. All Virtual Private Servers include its exclusive “No Worry” Full Management services, the SiteAdmin control panel, daily and weekly remote data backups, and at least two dedicated IP addresses.

It says that more information about its Shared Cloud Hosting can be found at http://www.site5.com/hosting/cloud while information about its Cloud Virtual Private Servers is available at http://www.site5.com/vps/cloud/.

“Shared Cloud Hosting and Cloud VPS Hosting are designed to keep downtime for email and websites to an absolute minimum. It’s an ideal solution for businesses and consumers who need a very high level of uptime but don’t have a large IT budget to spend on complicated load-balanced, multi-server solutions. It is perfect for website owners that like to have access to enterprise grade hardware and uptime, without the massive cost,” said Site5 Chief Operating Officer Tom Sepper.

URL source: http://www.webhosting.info/news/1/site5-launches-cloud-hosting,-vps_0712101797.htm

SingleOS, the developer of the Fuscan technology, today announced improvements in LBC and EHA hosting automation platforms. The company claims that the new functionality enables Fuscan Linux Cloud based web hosts to better control the load-balanced and High Availability services on the cloud.

The company articulates that the new functionality in Fuscan LBC (http://www.fuscan.com/what-is-fuscan) and Fuscan EHA (http://www.fuscan.com/enterprise-hosting-automation) enables web hosters to set priorities and to define on which nodes to run any specific service. This means that the Fuscan Linux Cloud infrastructure administrators can define faster nodes to more intensive services such as databases. New additions allow cloud hosting providers to avoid running two database instances on the same node, except in a failed node scenario if the policy defined by system administrator allows it.

It avers that anyone who wants to test and deploy Fuscan Linux Cloud should sign a Partner Agreement with the company. The agreement does not inflict any financial obligation to its partners as long as they use the Trial/Test version of the cloud automation software.

SingleOS CTO Stoyan Marinov said, “In the past week the SingleOS development team has managed to integrate much better control over load-balanced and High Availability services in Fuscan automation layersLBC and EHA.” “Now both LBC and EHA allow owners of Fuscan based cloud infrastructure to define service conflicts and preferences. Administrators of Fuscan based cloud hosting providers can decide which services should or must avoid running on the same node as some other service, in addition to node priorities,” mentioned Marinov.

URL source: http://www.webhosting.info/news/1/singleos-announces-new-functionality-to-fuscan-lbc_0712101838.htm

.CO Internet S.A.S., the Registry operator of the .CO domain, today announced that due to extraordinary demand for the impending .CO domain launch, it has officially extended the deadline for people and companies to secure high-priority .CO domain names prior to their availability to the general public on July 20. The company mentions that the deadline for the Landrush phase will be extended through Friday, July 16th at 12:00 pm (Noon) EDT.

It explains that the new .CO domain offering presents opportunities for corporations, brands, web developers, agencies, entrepreneurs and others to secure high-priority, high-value domain names that have long been “unavailable” in the .COM domain. To date, it has registered or taken applications for more than 26,000 .CO domain names, many of which have been secured by the world’s top global brands and Fortune 500 companies, such as: Amazon, American Express, Apple, BMW, Cartier, Canon, CNN, Coca-Cola, Disney, Ebay, Exxon, Facebook, Ford, Google, Hilton, Honda, IBM, IKEA, Kodak, McDonalds, Microsoft, MTV, Nestle, Nike, Nokia, Panasonic, Pfizer, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Toyota, Twitter, Unilever, Visa, Yahoo and many more. The company expects to receive several thousand more applications prior to the end of the Landrush period.

It states that during the Landrush phase, organizations and individuals wishing to secure early access to high-priority, high-value .CO domain names may do so, for a premium, through one of 10 .CO Accredited Registrar partners, including GoDaddy.com, Register.com, Network Solutions, eNom, InternetX, Dotster, Melbourne IT, OpenSRS, My.co, and Dominio Amigo, or any of the resellers within each Registrar’s extended networks.

The company further states that .CO domains registered during the Landrush phase are priced at a premium to reflect their high value and high demand, with prices averaging between $250 to $300, depending on the Registrar. If more than one Landrush application is received for a particular domain name, it will be auctioned to the highest bidder.

“The response to the new .CO domain offering has been overwhelming. To keep up with the demand, our Registrar partners have asked us to extend the deadline for the Landrush phase to give more people the opportunity to secure their desired domains before they are released to the general public,” said Nicolai Bezsonoff, Chief Operating Officer of .CO Internet. “July 16th will be the last opportunity for corporations, major brands, start-ups and individuals to secure their desired domains early. On July 20, all unclaimed domains will be added to the general pool and released on a first-come, first-served basis.”

URL source: http://www.webhosting.info/news/1/.co-internet-extends-deadline-for-landrush_0709106603.htm

Go Daddy, a domain name registrar and hosting provider, yesterday announced that it has opened its new customer care facility in Hiawatha, Iowa. The company says that first announced in January, the 50,000-square-foot customer care facility is located near Cedar Rapids and has the capacity to accommodate 500 employees.

It avers that in a opening ceremony attended by employees, local dignitaries and reporters, Go Daddy President and COO Warren Adelman and Iowa Lt. Governor Patty Judge “cut the ribbon,” provided a facility tour and spoke about the company’s commitment to customer service.

According to the company, it expanded in Hiawatha to keep up with its consistent growth. It is looking to fill 60 positions immediately and anticipates it will hire up to 150 more over the next year.

It articulates that while most companies have been cutting back on new hires during the recession, it has continued hiring new employees throughout. In 2009, the company’s revenue increased 22 percent while its customer base has increased by 18 percent within the last year. It now employs more than 2,640 people and has offices in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Washington, DC, Toronto, Amsterdam and Singapore.

“This new Hiawatha facility represents a tremendous opportunity for us to keep growing and for new employees to be a part of an exciting, dynamic team,” Adelman told the crowd. “We’re looking to hire passionate people for a variety of positions, people who want to make a difference. Developers, IT professionals, people for security and facilities, as well as customer care personnel for whom we provide on-the-job training.”

URL source: http://www.webhosting.info/news/1/go-daddy-opens-new-customer-care-facility_0709105867.htm

Alibaba.com, an e-commerce company for small businesses, yesterday announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Vendio Services, Inc., a multi-channel e-commerce company providing a one-stop solution for small businesses that are selling online across multiple channels. The company says that from the Vendio Platform, merchants can source products from its supplier network and sell through channels such as eBay, Amazon, and their own Vendio-supported store. It adds that this platform is offered on Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud-computing model to help businesses increase their sales while managing costs to enhance their profit margin.

The company states that through this acquisition, it gains access to numerous targeted small businesses in the U.S. with potential sourcing needs from suppliers on its sourcing platform and AliExpress (www.aliexpress.com), a wholesale transaction platform operated by the company. In addition, the acquisition will provide access to e-commerce storefronts and multi-channel selling services for AliExpress customers looking to reach consumers online through the Vendio Platform. AliExpress and Vendio customers are able to source efficiently from the products available on AliExpress and then sell goods through Vendio on the retail marketplaces of their choice around the world.

It further states that with the acquisition, it will connect AliExpress directly with Vendio through back-end integration, creating an AliExpress tab within the Vendio Platform. This integration allows Vendio users to easily access a private sourcing experience within their Vendio inventory and sales management interfaces. Exclusive guarantees, promotions and special deals on AliExpress wholesale products will also be available to Vendio users.

According to the company, AliExpress complements Vendio by strengthening the first step in the business cycle for small businesses: how to locate products for sale. According to a recent survey, more than 80 percent of Vendio customers have never used online supplier services and nearly 90 percent have never tried to take advantage of import-export. This integration creates an opportunity for Vendio customers to expand their supply chain and lower their cost through instant, free access to the supplier storefronts on Alibaba.com and AliExpress. Now the company and Vendio members have access to complete e-commerce solutions to meet their sourcing, buying and selling needs through an integrated set of tools and features.

It explains that the acquisition is part of the US$100 million investment plan for AliExpress that the company announced in April 2010. It is expected to close in July 2010. After the closing, Vendio will become a new business unit within the company and will retain its own brand name and operations. Mike Effle, current Vendio COO, will assume the role of the Vendio CEO and Rodrigo Sales, current Vendio CEO, will become a Strategic Advisor to Vendio.

The company avers that Rothschild was its financial adviser for this transaction and Pacific Crest Securities was the adviser to Vendio for this transaction. Financial terms were not disclosed by the company.

“At Alibaba.com, our goal is to make it easier for our customers around the world to do business by providing solutions that increase margins, productivity and competitiveness through e-commerce,” said David Wei, Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba.com. “We continue to look for synergies and investment opportunities to grow our customer base, acquire additional technology and add new applications that will help our customer base grow and prosper. Vendio is our first acquisition in the U.S. and we are open for more partnership opportunities. The connection of Vendio with Alibaba.com will completely integrate the e-commerce value chain between the B2B and B2C platforms, fully realizing the B2B2C model. I am confident that our complementary businesses will create enhanced opportunities for our customers.”

“We identify with Alibaba.com’s vision of creating a seamless global e-commerce experience for business owners,” said Mike Effle, COO of Vendio. “We are particularly impressed by Alibaba.com’s deep commitment to creating immense value for small businesses. Efficiently integrating Alibaba.com’s extensive supplier base will allow Vendio’s merchants to earn higher profit margins while providing unique and competitively priced products from around the world to their customers. The increased efficiency and product breadth will yield additional positive effects for the marketplaces we support and throughout the entire e-commerce ecosystem.”

URL source : http://www.webhosting.info/news/1/alibaba.com-to-acquire-vendio_0625109062.htm

To facilitate easier access to the Internet for users in China, with the ability to use their primary language for the entire domain name.

Millions of Chinese language users will soon be able to access the Internet using Chinese script following a decision today by ICANN‘s Board of Directors to approve a set of Chinese language internationalized domain names.

“This approval is a significant change for Chinese language users worldwide,” said Rod Beckstrom, President and Chief Executive Officer of ICANN. “One fifth of the world speaks Chinese and that means we just increased the potential online accessibility for roughly a billion people.”

The new IDN country code top-level domains (ccTLDs) and the associated organizations approved by the Board are:

• CNNIC (China Internet Network Information Center)
• HKIRC (Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited)
• TWNIC (Taiwan Network Information Center)

URL source : http://www.webhosting.info/news/1/icann-approves-chinese-idns_0625109378.htm

Zayo Colocation, Inc. (zColo), a network-neutral colocation and interconnection services provider, yesterday announced that David Howson will join the company as President. According to the company, he will lead its growth initiatives, executing a plan that leverages Zayo Group’s technical facilities. David will report to Dan Caruso, President and CEO of Zayo Group.

It avers that it is the exclusive operator of the 60 Hudson Street Meet-Me-Room, and offers colocation in 60 Hudson as well as in 111 8th Avenue in New York City, and 165 Halsey Street in New Jersey. The company adds that over time, it expects to add colocation inventory through both organic expansion and opportunistic acquisitions.

It articulates that David has 17 years telecommunications experience and was most recently Senior Vice President of Customer Service Management, Customer and Network Operations at Level 3 Communications. In this role, David oversaw operations of colocation services, including customer service, network monitoring and maintenance. He was also responsible for the design and build of more than 15 colocation centers totaling more than 300,000 sq ft of space. David earned his Engineering Degree with Honors from Oxford Brookes University in 1993.

“I’ve worked with David at MFS Communications and Level 3 Communications. He is a results-driven leader with great expertise in the colocation business,” stated Caruso. “It will be good working with him again.”

“zColo is a solid platform for developing a colocation business,” stated Howson. “We provide service today in some of the world’s most important carrier hotels and hope to extend our service offerings into many more locations in the future.”

URL source: http://www.webhosting.info/news/1/david-howson-joins-zayo-colocation-as-president_0622107532.htm

QuantumPages, a provider of web services, today announced that it is separating its Servers & Managed Services Business to an individual brand, Infraster from its QualiSpace Division with effect from 22nd June 2010. The company mentions that Infraster Technologies Private Limited will be the legal name of company.

According to the company, it is not only shifting of services from one company to another company, it is the whole lot of changes in the services and addition of various allied services. From mere providing products list of dedicated server or co-location, Infraster will now concentrate on providing solutions to the customers. Infraster will provide Servers, Flexi Cloud & Co-location through AppInfraster, Disaster Planning & Recovery through InfrasterDR, Mails & Messaging through InfrasterMessaging and Remote Infrastructure Management & Monitoring through InfrasterDesk.

“We wanted customers to feel the difference and experience the exceptional services,” said Ashish Shah, Founder, President and CEO of QuantumPages. “This requires change to be done from the root level. I can commit to our customers that they will surely experience more than expected,” he added.

URL source: http://www.webhosting.info/news/1/quantumpages-announces-the-launch-of-infraster_0622106676.htm

Parallels, a provider of virtualization and automation software, today announced the launch of Parallels Server for Mac 4, increasing the speed and reliability of virtual environments for small businesses. The company claims that Parallels Server for Mac 4 is the only virtualization solution optimized for Mac OS X server bringing consistent reliability and scale to Apple environments.

It articulates that Parallels Server for Mac 4 consolidates multiple operating systems resulting in the ability to retire redundant hardware and extend existing capabilities. The result of consolidation means less physical space, less power consumption and less administration skills are needed to manage the server needs of the business. Other significant upgrades include host and guest support for Snow Leopard as well as guest support for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. In addition, it now includes Apple xSAN support, VLANs, resource usage accounting, full and incremental backups, migration and conversion of virtual machines as well as express installations for Windows and Linux guests.

The company avers that all of the advanced automation and management features of Parallels Virtual Automation are now available to the Parallels Server for Mac 4 installations including user self service, anytime/anywhere management and click to migrate capabilities.

According to it, Parallels Server for Mac 4 is an easy-to-use solution that provides the best value for organizations seeking to standardize and optimize their IT infrastructures. Academic institutions have benefited greatly from the Parallels Server for Mac product. Their IT teams have been able to quickly deploy new applications to support educational programs without additional investment in hardware, networking and data center facilities.

The company states that commercial pricing starts at $1,999 USD. However, the upgrade is included at no additional cost to Parallels Server for Mac 3 customers on maintenance. Parallels Server for Mac 3 customers without maintenance will be offered an upgrade SKU at a special time limited offer. Upgrades are available now. It adds that Parallels Server for Mac 4 will be available on July 2, 2010 from selected Apple stores, software resellers, from www.parallels.com and from the company’s US sales team.

“This release improves both speed and reliability for virtual environments on Apple server hardware,” said Jack Zubarev, President of Parallels. “Parallels Server for Mac 4 is the only solution on the market built and optimized for Mac OS X Server. Additionally the integration with Parallels Virtual Automation enables a single management system for a wide variety of virtual environments and hardware.”

“Parallels Server for Mac has played a pivotal role in our enterprise resource planning with the scalability and flexibility our fast paced environment demands,” said Sasan Poureetezadi, Director of Computer Services at Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University. “The solution has given us the flexibility to deploy enterprise class solutions on-demand, under budget, and in record time.”

URL source: http://www.webhosting.info/news/1/parallels-releases-parallels-server-for-mac-4_0622106066.htm