Announcing WebSiteSpark in Australia

I am VERY excited to announce the launch of a new *SPARK program at Microsoft for Australia; WebSiteSpark you’ll see that the gu has already post about this.

WebsiteSpark_Banner

WebSiteSpark is aimed specifically at those who are developing in the web platform and we’re giving them a jumpstart to get started on the Microsoft Platform.

The Australian launch of WebSiteSpark will be on the 8th of October at Web Directions South – Hope to see you there!

So very simply, here are the Gets and Gives:

What to we give you?

Software licenses that you can use for three years AT NO COST.  Once enrolled, you can download and immediately use the following software from Microsoft:

•3 licenses of Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition
•1 license of Expression Studio 3 (which includes Expression Blend, Sketchflow, and Web)
•2 licenses of Expression Web 3
•4 processor licenses of Windows Web Server 2008 R2
•4 processor licenses of SQL Server 2008 Web Edition
•DotNetPanel control panel (enabling easy remote/hosted management of your servers)

The Windows Server and SQL Server licenses can be used for both development and production deployment.  You can either self-host the servers on your own, or use the licenses with a hoster.  WebsiteSpark makes it easy to find hosters who are also enrolled in the program, and who can use your licenses to provide you with either dedicated or virtual dedicated servers to host your sites on.

In addition to software, WebsiteSpark provides partner opportunities to grow and build your business  through referrals and product support training.

Who can get WebSiteSpark?

This is really simple:

1.Your company builds web sites and web application on behalf of others.
2.Your company currently has less than 10 employees.

If you meet these requirements you can sign up today. As part of the enrollment process you can pick a network referral partner such as a hoster or enter a code that you have received at an event or from a Microsoftie. Once you have that code you can enrol and start downloading the software – If you’re in Australia you can send an email to me: jorkeo@microsoft.com and i’ll hook you up – otherwise webspark@microsoft.com .

After 3 years?

You have no obligation to continue using the software just a $100 fee for the use of the program. By this time we hope you would have made a decision on whether you’re happy to continue to work with Microsoft and be part of the Microsoft Partner Network.

What’s happening in Australia?

The official launch of WebSiteSpark in Australia will be at Web Directions South on the 8th of October and from the start we’ve partnered with two of Australia’s best hosting companies to provide the network services, Melbourne IT (under WebCentral) and Westnet – you’ll see more information around these guys as they give WebSiteSpark participants special offers.

 

So as you can see this is an AWESOME initiative – and I’m very excited to be a part of this. If you have any questions / comments – please email me: jorkeo@microsoft.com – follow me on twitter: @jorke and follow the @websitespark twitter account.

you’ll see some press releases going out today all about this :)

- jorke