Web hosting provider The Planet announced on Monday it has joined the Microsoft WebsiteSpark program, where it will provide small Web development and design firms with free Microsoft licenses for the latest versions of Windows Server and SQL Server, key tools for building and designing websites.

Launched last month, WebsiteSpark delivers Microsoft's server operating system, free licenses for Microsoft Expression and Visual Studio software, as well as training and access to MSDN newsgroups for free to eligible developers.

The Planet joins several other hosting providers that have recently joined the WebsiteSpark program, including Webfusion, Fasthosts Internet and PacHosting.

In addition to being a hosting provider partner of the program, The Planet is also an official WebsiteSpark network partner.

To participate in the program, companies must be privately held professional service firms that provide Web development and design services, with less than 10 employees.

"With more than 20,000 customers, Web designers and developers comprise a key customer segment for The Planet," says Todd Mitchell, general manager for dedicated hosting and global services at The Planet. "However, for small firms, the capital expense of running a business can often be insurmountable, especially in today's economy. We're leveraging our partnership with Microsoft to provide these firms with valuable software and solutions at a low cost.  Together with The Planet’s world-class network, data centers and customer support, the program provides tremendous value for cost-sensitive businesses."

Those companies that qualify for the WebsiteSpark  program gain access to full-featured development tools at no upfront cost, including Windows Server 2008 R2 and SQL Server 2008.

They also receive pprofessional technical support from Microsoft, with access to a global community of hosting partners and Web designers and developers that offer a wide range of technical and business resources.

The Planet recently launched its own marketing program. Entitled the Partner Plus program, the new initiative offers industry-leading commission rates and access to a portal with a range of marketing and sales tools.