As Microsoft's 2007 ''Hosting Provider of the Year,'' Rackspace has worked with Microsoft on the launch for more than a year and will be introducing Windows Server 2008 Standard, Enterprise and web editions to its comprehensive product portfolio in conjunction with Microsoft's worldwide launch. Windows Server 2008 is designed to provide customers the ability to deliver rich web-based experiences efficiently and effectively, with improved administration and diagnostics, development and application tools, and lower infrastructure costs.

The new, flexible Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0 provides full customisation of web servers to configure only the server roles and modules needed, creating a more secure and streamlined Web platform for customers.

Doug Loewe, MD Rackspace, EMEA noted, ''To support our customers' demanding web-centric business activity, it is essential that operating systems offer them flexibility, security and the right management tools - it is incredibly positive to see that Microsoft has made significant progress in this area. We've been working with Microsoft for some time now, boasting over 100 Rackspace Microsoft Certified Professionals within our ranks, and plan to focus all of our attention on providing our customers with the technical help they need when choosing to migrate to the latest Windows Server 2008 solution. Fanatical Support is right at the heart of everything we do at Rackspace, and that includes our willingness to offer support to our customers with upgrading their infrastructure to accommodate the architecture which best suits them, helping them to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to the heart of their businesses.''

Windows Server 2008 also includes the enhanced Windows PowerShell to automate common administration tasks for server roles with command-line shell and scripting language to more easily control system administration and to accelerate automation. The hardened operating system and security innovations include firewall improvements, policy based networking and auditing advances to provide improved protection for customers' data. Rackspace recently completed a successful beta test of Windows Server 2008 with positive customer feedback. After successful testing of the new server's performance and stability, Rackspace is now making the new Windows operating system available to customers.