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March 26, 2008

Web hosting software provider Parallels announced yesterday that it will be offering service providers an APS (Application Packaging Standard) certification service, which will be administered by the independent firm Tier 1 Research.

The certification rewards SaaS (software as a service) application providers with either an APS Gold or APS Silver certification.

Such a certification program ensures that service providers use high-quality, redundant infrastructure for APS-compliant application delivery.

Offered as a partnership between Parallels and Tier 1 Research, the program includes start-up services for certification, audits, as well as a support structure to enable the smooth integration of the initial certification.

For independent software vendors, Parallels' new certification ensures the most recent version of their applications can be delivered by the service provider. For end users of SaaS, the certification ensures that the application will integrate seamlessly and can operate premises in a high-quality operating environment.

Serguei Beloussov, CEO of Parallels said "Parallels wants service providers to be able to easily deliver a broad range of software applications to their customers with the assurance that those applications will be up-to-date, integrate and perform as expected."

Beloussov added "the APS Certification Service offers service providers an opportunity to differentiate themselves in the market as they strive to meet the growing needs of their customers."

The new certification program will involve running a test suite of software applications that is estimated to take approximately thirty days.

The program also has an annual re-certification process to maintain or upgrade a specific certification level.

Designed for ISPs (Internet service providers) and hosting providers that intend to deliver the highest quality SaaS support, the Gold level initial certification costs $10,000 for the first year, and $5,000 for renewals each year after.

The Silver certification is $2,500 for the first year and $1,250 for renewals.

There is also a no fee, base level "APS Partner" designation for service providers that use Parallels' products, since it already establishes a basis for delivering APS-compliant applications.

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Source: Tech Blog