Microsoft Monday launched a new software package aimed at enabling independent software vendors (ISVs) to offer their software on a hosted basis in a move to take advantage of the growing software-as-a-service (SAAS) market.The Microsoft Solution for Windows-based Hosting for Applications Version 1.0 is available now. It is designed not only for ISVs that want to offer their wares as services on their own, but also for hosting providers that offer environments on which companies can host their software.The SAAS enablement package includes Microsoft Operations Manager 2005, which can identify and resolve problems in a hosted environment to ensure service-level agreements are met, and Microsoft Provisioning System, which automates administrative tasks such as adding new users, updating directory entries, and provisioning applications and services, the company said. The package also offers other tools and systems for automating patch and update management as well as centralizing management of the IT environment.In addition, Microsoft is providing a monthly subscription-based licensing model, Services Provider License Agreement, which allows ISVs and hosting providers to pay only for the software they use in a given time period. Pricing information was not immediately available.SAAS is becoming an increasingly popular way for companies to offer their software to customers who don’t want to make a big investment in IT infrastructure. Research firm IDC estimates that spending in the SAAS market will reach US$10.7 billion worldwide by 2009. Companies that also offer SAAS enablement programs and software include Oracle and IBM, as well as pure-play SAAS enablement companies such as OpSource.For related content, read A Win for Microsoft in Massachusetts?This article is posted on our Microsoft Informer page. For more news on the Redmond, Wash.-based powerhouse, keep checking in.Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage.— Elizabeth Montalbano, IDG News Service Related content brandpost Sponsored by Palo Alto Networks Operational technology systems require a robust Zero Trust strategy in 2024 Zero Trust provides a foundation for creating a stronger security posture in 2024. By Navneet Singh, vice president of marketing, network security, Palo Alto Networks Dec 05, 2023 6 mins Security brandpost Sponsored by AWS in collaboration with IBM How digital twin technology is changing complex industrial processes forever As the use cases for digital twins proliferate, it is becoming clear that data-driven enterprises with a track record of innovation stand the best chance of success. By Laura McEwan Dec 05, 2023 4 mins Digital Transformation brandpost Sponsored by AWS in collaboration with IBM Why modernising applications needs to be a ‘must’ for businesses seeking growth Around one-third of enterprises are spending heavily on application modernisation and aiming for cloud native status. The implications for corporate culture, structure and priorities will be profound. By Laura McEwan Dec 05, 2023 5 mins Digital Transformation opinion 11 ways to reduce your IT costs now Reorienting IT’s budget toward future opportunities is a big reason why CIOs should review their IT portfolios with an eye toward curbing unnecessary spending and realizing maximum value from every IT investment. By Stephanie Overby Dec 05, 2023 11 mins Budget Cloud Management IT Governance Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe