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Microsoft Rolls Out BizSpark Program(Wireless News Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Microsoft has announced the introduction of BizSpark, a program that provides startups and entrepreneurs with access to current full-featured Microsoft development tools and production licenses of server products with no upfront costs and minimal requirements. Microsoft also said that BizSpark also provides technical support and market visibility. BizSpark is structured to take advantage of the resources and support of a global network of hundreds of organizations such as economic development agencies, university incubators, hosters and investors, including The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE). These BizSpark Network Partners provide guidance, mentorship and resources to help drive startup success. "Entrepreneurs play a vital role in driving innovation and creating the kinds of new jobs that are essential to sustainable economic growth," said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. "Microsoft BizSpark is an exciting way for us to help provide business startups with the development tools, advice and exposure they need. We look forward to working with organizations and development agencies around the globe to foster entrepreneurship and help new companies succeed." As part of BizSpark, Microsoft is providing startups with a three-year Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Professional subscription, which makes available for download a broad set of development tools needed to build, test and maintain an application on the Microsoft platform, including Microsoft Visual Studio and the Microsoft .NET Framework. Through MSDN, BizSpark also provides professional support services and expert information resources. For startups building hosted software, BizSpark includes production licenses for application hosting and management servers including Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server, BizTalk Server and Systems Center, with Microsoft Dynamics CRM to be added soon. The program also will provide a worldwide network of hosting partners, offering discounted hosting services to startups that would like to take their business or product online using their BizSpark licenses. "Through our work with thousands of startups over the years, we understand that making strategic technology decisions early on is a key challenge -- one that sets up entrepreneurs and startups for future growth and the ability to meet market demands," said Dan'l Lewin, corporate VP of Strategic and Emerging Business Development at Microsoft. "BizSpark simplifies this choice by giving startups an industry-leading platform with no immediate cost and the support needed to achieve business success." ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) ((Distributed on behalf of 10Meters via M2 Communications Ltd - http://www.m2.com)) ((10Meters - http://www.10meters.com)) Copyright ? 2008 Wireless News |