Web hosting provider Aplus.Net said this week that it has launched a dedicated server offering built on the Windows Server 2008 platform, which launched at the beginning of this year.

At the product's February launch, a few of the hosting companies that take particular pride in their Microsoft partner status were quick to market with Windows Server 2008 offerings, launching them along with the software's commercial release. Other hosting companies have waited to see how the software functions as a hosting platform before launching commercial services of their own.

In its announcement, Aplus points out some of the key improvements Server 2008 makes over the Windows Server 2003 software running the majority of current Windows web hosting services. Among them are the Power Shell, Hyper-V, Kernel Transaction Manager and Windows Hardware Error Architecture.

The company says the upgrade will also improve network and performance control, network access protection and active directory federated rights management.

"At Aplus.Net, we are devoted to providing the latest technology and resources to our customers," said Dennis Kittrell, Aplus.Net's senior product manager. "They expect us to be on the on the forefront of emerging technology, and we're passionate about providing the tools they need - and want - to succeed in today's dynamic environment. Aplus.Net's launch of Windows Server 2008 shows our commitment to providing every resource our customers are looking for; it's another step for the new Aplus.Net."

Coincident with the launch of the new dedicated hosting products, Aplus says it is offering a limited-time promotion offering free setup on all Windows Server 2008 dedicated hosting. The company does not specify just how limted that time will be.