Clara Online Partners With SWsoft to Introduce the First Windows-based Virtual Private Server Hosting in Japan

HERNDON, Va. and TOKYO – SWsoft, a recognized leader in server automation and virtualization software, today announced that Clara Online, the fastest-growing Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting company in Japan, has selected Virtuozzo virtualization software and Plesk control panel software to power its new Windows virtual dedicated server hosting offerings. Clara Online’s new offering will be the first Windows VPS service available in Japan. 

Clara Online introduced the first Linux VPS offering with Virtuozzo in Japan in 2003.  Like the Linux offering, the Virtuozzo for Windows-powered VPS offering is integrated with the Plesk control panel to improve functionality and ease-of-use for customers.

The VPS hosting service uses Virtuozzo technology to provide multiple virtual servers on a single physical server. Each virtual server is given "admin access rights" (administrator rights for Windows Server). This enables the user to install software and change the setup, which had not been possible with traditional web hosting technology. In addition to Windows VPS service availability, Clara Online will introduce memory and CPU resource guaranteed service with server virtualization, called FPS service for Windows.

"We are excited that Clara Online has introduced Microsoft Windows Server 2003 for its fast selling Virtual Private Server lineup," said Noboru Sugiyama, director of Communication Sector, Microsoft Japan K.K. "Windows Server 2003 offers rich Web platform functionality and experience, and now by being offered by Clara Online as a part of its server services, the customer here in Japan will be able to further take advantage of Microsoft Web platform technology at the reasonable price."

“We’ve been asked by our customers to offer a Windows-based hosting solution such as ASP.NET,” said Kentaro Iemoto, Clara Online president and CEO. “By teaming with SWsoft, we are able to offer a Windows VPS service for the first time in Japan to meet the needs of our customers. With the market-proven and powerful SWsoft virtualization solution, Clara Online’s Windows Virtual dedicated servers provide lower price points, yet premium values in performance and service for Windows hosting.”

“Clara Online has been successful with its VPS hosting offering and creative strategies,” said Matthew Edmond, managing director, SWsoft KK. “With Clara Online’s expertise in its Linux VPS offering, customers in Japan can confidently adopt the expanded Windows VPS service powered with Virtuozzo and Plesk software.”

SWsoft Virtuozzo is the leading operating system-level server virtualization software, which creates isolated partitions, or virtual environments, on a single physical server and operating system to make more efficient use of hardware, software and data center personnel. 

SWsoft Plesk is comprehensive multi-platform control panel software designed to meet the needs of small to large hosting providers. The software is easy to use and automates a large number of tasks that allow service providers to reduce operating costs and resources, while increasing profitability, efficiency and customer satisfaction. 

Availability
Clara Online’s Windows VPS service will be available in November.  For more information, visit www.clara.ad.jp.

About Clara Online
Clara Online, Inc. is Japan's leading independent hosting provider based in Japan, with operations in Taiwan, Singapore, and China.  In 2003, Clara Online was the first company to launch a Linux-based VPS service in Japan, and will be the first to launch a  Windows-based VPS service in 2006. Clara manages a total of 5.1Gbps external connection at seven data centers located in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Seoul and Singapore.

About SWsoft
SWsoft is a recognized leader in server automation and virtualization software. With more than 10,000 customers in over 100 countries, SWsoft’s suite of award-winning products delivers proven performance, manageability and value. SWsoft is a high-growth company funded by Bessemer Venture Partners, Insight Venture Partners and Intel Capital. For more information about SWsoft, visit www.swsoft.com.