Introducing Microsoft BizSpark - free software for startups
On November 5th, 2008 Microsoft announced the Bizspark Program. It provides easy access to software, support and market visibility with no upfront costs gives startups the boost they need, when they need it most. Read the Official Press Announcement.
BizSpark is uniquely designed to accelerate your success by providing fast, affordable access to current, full-featured Microsoft tools and technologies, plus production licensing for hosted solutions. For support, BizSpark unites a global community of technology and entrepreneurial experts who can guide you through the hurdles of growing a new business.
To enroll, you must be sponsored by a BizSpark Network Partner. Find a BizSpark Network Partner.
To be eligible for BizSpark, all of the following must be true. Your Startup:
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Is in the business of software development1,
Is privately held,
Has been in business for less than 3 years2, and
Has less than US $1 million in annual revenue3.
To be eligible to use the software for production and deployment of hosted solutions Startups must also be developing a new “software as a service” solution (on any platform) to be delivered over the Internet.
For more details about BizSpark the The Startup Program Guide, which describes the program benefits and more or visit the BizSpark website.
Related Resources:
- Microsoft Startup Zone Website: The Microsoft start-up team are helping technology startups around the world incubate ideas and drive innovation forward. The StartupZone website provides essential resources to get the most from Microsoft.
- BlogMS Resource Guide to Free Microsoft Software + Services: Details of other Microsoft software and programs that is available to students, consumers, businesses and partners.
Small-Print:
1 This means the startup is developing a software-based product or service that will form a core piece of the startup’s own business. Startups cannot be in the business of providing services to others such as hosting, web agency, system integration or outsourced development.
2 Startups who are actively engaged in software development but have not yet completed the formalities of establishing a business are also eligible for entry into BizSpark
3 The Program may add local variances on the revenue limit requirement calibrated to local economic conditions in the startup’s place of business.