WebsiteSpark – A Jumpstart for Web Development and Design Companies

cbowen — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:42:09 GMT

Having just posted about a Boston-area opportunity for BizSpark companies, I realized I hadn’t yet mentioned the new WebsiteSpark program, so…

WebsiteSpark

Similar to BizSpark, WebsiteSpark is a new program for web development/design companies and offers (from the FAQ):

The program helps Web Pros drive new business opportunities through increased visibility and connections with partners (including Web Hosters) and customers around the world; WebsiteSpark also provides Web Pros with Microsoft tools and hosting solutions, as well as support and training.

What Do You Receive?

From the WebsiteSpark support page:

Design Tools/Development Tools/Testing Tools. Each Web Pro firm will be entitled to :
- Visual Studio® 2008 Professional Edition 3 user licenses
- Expression® Studio 2 (or 3) 1 user license, available only to the Primary Contact for the Web Pro
- Expression® Web 2 (or 3) 2 user licenses
- Windows Web Server® 2008 (or Windows Web Server 2008 R2 when available) 3 user licenses
- SQL Server® 2008 Web 3 user licenses
Production and Deployment. If self-hosting, each Web Pro firm will be entitled to four processor production licenses each (requires enrollment in SPLA Essentials):
- Windows Web Server® 2008 (or Windows Web Server 2008 R2, when available)
- SQL Server® 2008 Web

What Does This Cost?

From the FAQ:

“There is no upfront cost for Web Pros to join WebsiteSpark or receive its benefits; a Program Offering Fee (USD 100) is required when the Web Pro exits the program.”

How Do I Learn More and Join?

Full details, including how to qualify and join, are on the WebsiteSpark site and program guide.

If you’re a web development and/or design firm, it’s definitely worth a look.

-Chris

Announcing Microsoft's BizSpark Program for Startups

cbowen — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 01:14:33 GMT

Some great news for the startup and entrepreneurial community - we've formally launched a new program, called BizSpark, designed to offer tools, mentorship, and support to early stage startups, with no upfront costs to enroll.

Think DreamSpark (tools and platform software for students) but for startups, and you won't be far off.

Program Details

There are plenty of details on the Microsoft Startup Zone site, but in summary, the program connects startups with Network Partners, organizations in the software community who can provide assistance and guidance to the startups. Microsoft provides the BizSpark startups with:

Software - Lots of it, along with production licenses. From the Startup Zone site:

All the software included in the Microsoft® Visual Studio® Team System Team Suite (VSTS) with MSDN® Premium subscription

Expression® Studio Version 2

VSTS Team Foundation Server (standard edition)

Production use rights to host a “software as a service” solution (developed during participation in the BizSpark Program, on any platform) over the Internet, with regard to products including:

Microsoft Windows Server® (all versions up to and including Enterprise)

Microsoft SQL Server® (all versions)

Microsoft Office SharePoint® Portal Server

Microsoft System Center

Microsoft BizTalk® Server

Microsoft Dynamics® CRM (coming soon)

In addition to the core program offering, BizSpark startups will be eligible for other Microsoft offerings, such as:

Microsoft Azure™ Services Platform

Support - Software support from MSDN (groups, incidents, concierge, etc.), BizSpark program support, and guidance through Network Partners (incubators, investors, advisors, agencies, hosters, etc.

Visibility - Through the program and the BizSpark DB, increased exposure to the potential investors, partners, and customers.

What Does it Cost?

From the BizSpark FAQ:

As part of Microsoft’s commitment to Startup success, there is no upfront cost to enroll in the program. Startups will be responsible for a USD$100 program offering fee when they exit the program

Who Qualifies?

How are startups eligible? [excepted from source]:

Your startup must be:

Actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that will form a core piece of its current or intended business

Privately held

In business for less than 3 years

Generating less than USD $1 million in annual revenue

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.

BTW, if you're an ISV, but don't qualify for BizSpark, take a look at Empower for ISVs, which may be another way to get additional support from Microsoft.

What Next?

I'm excited that we're offering this program! If you're a startup, read through the program details on the Microsoft Startup Zone, then find a Network Partner, who can help connect you with the BizSpark program.

If you're in the Northeast, and think your organization could be potential Network Partner, drop me a line and I'll be glad to chat with you.