Windows Based Hosting 4.5 and Windows Based Hosting for Apps

The betas of Windows Based Hosting 4.5 and Windows Based Hosting for Applications have been released. The Microsoft Solution for Windows-based Hosting version 4.5 improves on previous versions of the solution by introducing a number of new features and technologies. Some of the more significant enhancements are:

Support for Windows SharePoint Service version 3.0 - This version introduces improved administrative tools including a server farm-based Central Administration user interface. Also new in this release are the availability of 40 new application templates which hosters can use to enhance service offerings for small to medium business customers.
Windows Server 2003 R2 - The infrastructure components of the solution now run on Windows Server 2003 R2, which extends the Windows Server 2003 operating system in important ways. Web platform features include support for .NET framework 2.0 and ASP.NET 2.0 applications as well as 64-bit support for Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0. In addition, Windows Server 2003 R2 provides:
Better control over storage setup and lower management costs due to improved storage management features.
Interoperability with UNIX-based systems, including password synchronization.
and more...