DALLAS, TX — The PlanetSM, one of the fastest growing Web hosting companies in the world, announced today that it has been accredited as a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. The certification recognizes hosting and application services companies that have demonstrated a consistent, high quality delivery of specific solutions built on Microsoft technology. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners endure a comprehensive examination and analysis by Microsoft to ensure that they are delivering technology and service on par with Microsoft's stringent benchmarks. "As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, we are able to further extend our close working relationship with Microsoft to the benefit of our customers," said Yul Shelton, vice president of information systems at The Planet. "We've consistently proven our competency on the Microsoft platform and look forward to continuing that legacy of performance." In an effort to maximize its relationship with Microsoft to the advantage of its customers, The Planet hosted a joint educational seminar with Microsoft for its hosting resellers. The event was held this month at the corporate headquarters and main datacenter of The Planet. Experts from Microsoft and The Planet provided resellers with invaluable information on successfully launching and managing a Windows-based hosting business. In an effort to maximize its relationship with Microsoft to the advantage of its customers, The Planet hosted a joint educational seminar with Microsoft for its hosting resellers. The event was held this month at the corporate headquarters and main datacenter of The Planet. Experts from Microsoft and The Planet provided resellers with invaluable information on successfully launching and managing a Windows-based hosting business. "Resellers look for hosting partners that can bring them superior technological capabilities. Microsoft Gold Certified Partners, who have certified expertise and direct training and support from Microsoft, can provide a higher level of customer experience with our technologies," said Pascal Martin, general manager of Worldwide Hosting at Microsoft Corp. "We are pleased to recognize The Planet as a new Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and look forward to continuing our relationship with The Planet and its customers." About The Planet With over 10 years experience, The Planet delivers enterprise level hosting solutions that are readily available, affordable, and scalable. The Planet offers dedicated servers, co-location, Internet access, email and business continuance. Customers receive extreme value through offerings such as advanced security, proactive monitoring, database administration, data storage, load balancing, and virtual private networks, all managed through OrbitSM, The Planet's customer portal. For additional information, visit www.theplanet.com.