Sharpcloud Leverages Front Runner and Bizspark

https://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/Case_Study_Detail.aspx?CaseStudyID=4000006685

It was great working with these folk:

sharpcloud took advantage of the Front Runner for Windows Azure Platform. Front Runner is an early adopter program for Microsoft solution partners. It provides technical resources, such as application support for Windows Azure from Microsoft development experts by phone and e-mail, as well as access to Windows Azure technical resources in one, central place. Once an application is certified as compatible with Windows Azure, the program provides additional marketing benefits. These benefits include a promotional toolkit, including a stamp and news release to use on marketing materials, a discount on Ready-to-Go campaign costs, and visibility on a Windows Azure Web site.

sharpcloud also joined the Microsoft BizSpark program for software startup companies. BizSpark unites startups with the resources—including software, support, and visibility—that they need to succeed. The program includes access to Microsoft development tools, platform technologies, and production and hosting licenses.

“The key for us has been the software and support available without licensing cost,” says Khan. “As a small startup, we have to maximize our investment, and these programs have certainly made our development budget go much further than it would have gone otherwise. We’ve also had good support from Microsoft with technologies including Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. And it’s stimulating to get a window into what other startups are doing with these technologies.”