XO expands hosting service

XO Communications today announced it will expand its managed-application capabilities to include applications running on Microsoft’s SQL Server 2000 and Windows 2000 operating systems.

XO’s deployment of SQL servers is the latest in a series of hosting options that began as Concentric offerings. With the new servers, hosting customers will have enhanced data-management and analysis agility.

XO SQL Server will be available as a single or a clustered server. As a single service, which includes SQL Server 2000 Standard Edition Software, the carrier hopes to win smaller businesses customers that want a complete package of hardware and software.

In the cluster configuration, XO has designed its architecture to include a fail-over solution in which a duplicate server acts in an “active-passive” capacity. The clustered offering also includes attached storage.

In both of its configurations, XO is emphasizing the cost savings for customers who may have previously deployed other vendors’ databases.

“From a customer perspective, implementing an Oracle database is significantly more expensive than implementing a SQL database,” said Jeff Chow, senior product line manager for dedicated hosting.

The XO SQL Server supports advanced natural language data query and includes core support for XML. Additionally, the service will including graphical administration and analysis capability.

XO is currently offering the service from its five hosting centers in Irvine, San Jose, Chicago, Secaucus, N.J. and Fremont, Calif.