Microsoft BizSpark Offers Free Software and Services to Startups

BizSpark is Microsoft’s brilliant pitch to gain more market share in the startup world. This program provides “Software as a Service” software startups free licenses for three years. The free license includes software development tools such as Visual Studio .NET, server products such as SQL Server and BizTalk Server and worker productivity software such as Office System and SharePoint. This program also offers free deployment licenses and free customer support.

So, what is the catch? Your software startup is privately held, has been in business for less than 3 years and has less than $1 million in annual revenue. You also need a referral from a Partner Network which seems to include quiet a few venture capitalists.

But, what is in it for Microsoft? This is a great strategy for Microsoft as they gain new customers without upfront costs and start generating revenues after the initial free license period. It also offers head to head competitive advantage over open source software providers such as MySQL and Google.

MicrosoftStartupZone outlines the details. If your startup develops using Microsoft products and meets the above requirements, it might beneficial to enroll in the BizSpark program.

Have Fun!