PHP on Windows
Merit Mile Case Study
Creating an intuitive and innovative learning tool:
Situation
Merit Mile, a Web development agency based in Boca Raton, Florida, was contracted to build and host an innovative online tool for Microsoft's worldwide network of SPLA Resellers. The core business challenge was that SPLA Resellers did not have a forum dedicated to disseminating hosting guidance and content around the Windows platform and management tools to their SPLA accounts. Similarly, the opportunity to demonstrate the integration and performance of PHP on Windows was embraced to further reinforce Microsoft's awareness of, and responses to, PHP pervasiveness within web development communities.
"Hosting University was created for Microsoft's SPLA Resellers worldwide to have an on boarding tool for new and exisitng SPLA accounts and to accelerate their time to market. Hosting University provides easy access and intuitive navigation on how to build, manage and scale the Windows hosting platform and management solutions."
Matthew H. Haynes
WW Industry Director, Hosting, Microsoft Corp.
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Solution
Running PHP on Windows and hosted within Applied Innovations' Dynamic Datacenter, this Microsoft sponsored web portal was built with a clear focus on building, managing, and growing SPLA business. Designed to complement the Microsoft Dynamic Data Center Toolkit, Hosting University is perfectly positioned and architected to become a rich media content distribution platform. All materials are available as downloads or streaming media while visitors are navigating Hosting University's presentation layers. From the initial launch to future additions, Hosting University will always feature up-to-date product information and guidance.
"We're excited to partner with Merit Mile on Hosting-U because it's the perfect showcase for our Microsoft Dynamic Datacenter solutions. Highly available and fully managed Hyper-V Virtual Private Servers in tandem with Windows Server 2008 Enterprise bring the notion of "always on, always available" that much closer to reality."
Jess Coburn
CEO, Applied Innovations Corp.
 The IIS FastCGI component achieves improved performance and stable operation in production environments. |
Utilizing Silverlight presentation layers in combination with PHP, Hosting University is also designed to usher in a new breed of fresh perspective, and directly address misconceptions associated with Windows platform web development. Hosters and developers alike respond positively to open environments, and people are now in the habit of learning, consuming and publishing - with as few impediments as possible. All told, Hosting University's efforts related to changing mindsets starts with offering users positive experiences.
"As an agency, we always enjoy the thrills of bringing ideas to life. Hosting-U was a 35-day courtship from concept to completion, and demonstrates the marriage of intuitive presentation layers atop a sophisticated database driven web experience - a compelling testament for Silverlight and PHP on Windows."
Mark Reino
President, Merit Mile Communications
 The SQL Server Driver for PHP v1.0 enables reliable, scalable integration with SQL Server on the Windows platform. |
Results
Merit Mile, a Microsoft vendor and BizSpark member developed the creative, architected the dynamic database elements, and published Hosting University in just over a month. With global roll-out scheduled for late 2009, Hosting University excitement is already brewing in various Microsoft geographies worldwide. The regular addition of dynamic content is just the beginning. The core focus of remaining dedicated to SPLA business interests won't change, but look for future iterations of Hosting University to dramatically evolve as feature sets and functionality are enhanced.
Ready to put PHP to work on your Windows platform? Join the PHP for Windows community at PHP.net.