Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 4.5 enables new business opportunities for service providers in the area of enhanced conferencing services via Office Communications Server 2007. Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 4.5 is optimized to help service providers build a sustainable business. Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 4.5 is designed to enable larger organizations to be hosted on the shared platform. Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 4.5 also continues Microsoft's commitment to partners through demand generation programs and business design sessions that will accelerate growth and at the same time drive aggregation toward the partners that have the resources and commitment to be successful in the marketplace.

For more information about Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007, see Microsoft Partner Program Web site.

Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 4.5 is a significant step in continuing to help our service provider partners drive their business forward. Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 4.5 includes the ability to offer services based on Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 along with enhancements to the previous release of Exchange 2007 and Windows SharePoint Services 2007. Office Communications Server 2007 opens up an exciting new set of opportunities for service providers by enabling the integration of PC-to-PC voice and video, Instant Messaging and presence capabilities with the email and document collaboration of Exchange and SharePoint.

Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 4.5 uses Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 for performance monitoring and reporting. Monitoring capability allows the service provider to monitor the status of the service the company has signed up for. And the reporting capability sends key alerts on service status to the IT Professionals. Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 4.5 focuses on exposing the data to facilitate the service provider and integrating service information into their own self-care portal. System Center Operations Manager 2007 is optimized for the needs of aggregators and will be key elements to building a successful hosting partner ecosystem.

Operations Manager 2007 provides end-to-end service management for your hosting infrastructure, helping you increase efficiency and achieve greater control. By making it easy to customize and extend your monitoring, Operations Manager 2007 enables you to have improved service levels across your hosting environment.

For more information about the benefits of System Center Operations Manager 2007, see Business Benifits of Monitoring and Reporting.

Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 4.5 uses Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 SP1. Exchange Server SP1 introduces many new features and technologies that were not available in the release to manufacturing (RTM) version of Exchange Server 2007. Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 SP1 addresses key hosted features in anywhere access, built-in protection, and operation efficiency. These new features and technologies help increase productivity and reduce administrative overhead.

For more information about the new features and technologies in Exchange 2007 SP1, see Why Choose Hosted Exchange?

For more information about the new features in Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 4.5, see What is New in This Release.