In 2006, to support this initiative, DiscountASP.NET introduced an ASP.NET web service API library which customers can use to develop their own web, desktop, or mobile applications that interface directly with their web hosting account. In the first phase, DiscountASP.NET exposed methods to retrieve resource usage information, and manage some IIS functions, such as recycling their application pool. Today, DiscountASP.NET expose methods for customers to backup their SQL 2005 and SQL 2000 databases.

DiscountASP.NET customers can activate access to the API library via their control panel and are assigned a unique Authentication Key. In addition, a Sandbox Key is provided so customers can test their applications without the risk of making changes to their hosting account.

"With our Open Control Panel Initiative and our control panel API, we are moving toward a next-generation hosting experience," said Takeshi Eto, VP Marketing. "Our vision is to offer our customers the flexibility to manage their hosting presence using our hosted control panel application or through web services and customized user-driven solutions."

About DiscountASP.NET:
DiscountASP.NET is an innovative leader in Microsoft Windows-based shared hosting, focused on providing the best value in .NET hosting and SQL database hosting. A Microsoft Gold Certified partner, DiscountASP.NET was one of the first hosts to launch a free .NET 3.5 hosting and IIS7 hosting beta program, SQL 2005 Reporting Services hosting, ASP.NET AJAX hosting, and Silverlight-compatible hosting. Through strong word-of-mouth and their commitment to ASP.NET and SQL technology, DiscountASP.NET has become the choice for affordable enterprise-class ASP.NET web hosting.