Microsoft reaches out to startups
Microsoft is offering entrepreneurs and start-ups a leg up with a new program that provides mentoring, hosting services, business networking; development, testing and demonstration software; and a host of Windows-based software for production, Internet site hosting and managing hosting server operations.
To join the program, called BizSpark, companies or entrepreneurs must have been in business for less than three years and already be developing or have developed a software-based product or service that will form a core piece of its current or intended business. The business also must be privately held, and can’t be in the business of providing services to others such as hosting, system integration or outsourced development.
Once a startup has joined the program, it will receive a comprehensive set of development tools to build, test and maintain an application on the Microsoft platform, production licenses for application hosting and management servers where applicable, a worldwide network of hosting partners that offer discounted hosting services, and the chance to be profiled and promoted on the BizSparkDB, an online startup directory.
In addition to the core BizSpark offering, BizSpark startups will be eligible for other Microsoft offerings, such as Microsoft cloud services technologies, including access to the community technology preview of the Azure Services Platform and Live Framework.
To join, the startup must already have a relationship with a Microsoft network partner; if not, it can choose a network partner from the “Find a Network Partner” tool on the BizSpark website. Once associated with a network partner, the startup visits the BizSpark website to join. A startup can participate in the BizSpark program for three years but can continue the use rights of the BizSpark program technology offer to develop, test and demonstrate as long as all members of the startup comply with the End User License Agreement. Potential users can access the program at www.microsoftstartupzone.com/bizspark.