Microsoft just announced a new program for Technology Business Startups called BizSpark.
The BizSpark package is more of a backend package including Windows Server all versions, SQL Server, Visual Studio Enterprise and a number of other tools that businesses would spend thousands of dollars putting together on their own.
Although the package does not from what we can see offer any desktop operating systems … who knows because if small business server is included you are probably getting win7 … but all together this is a very decent set of tools for any company designing microsoft based solutions.
From a quick read you not only get rights to use the products for development which is usually the case when microsoft gives out free software you also get to deploy solutions at least for your own offerings.
Support for the package does include a couple direct calls to microsoft for free but also all of the online support for free.
Who is eligible for BizSpark?
An eligible Startup must have the following characteristics at the time of joining:
* 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 at the time of enrollment, and
* Less than US $1 million in annual revenue .
There is a 25 member limit for initial user registrations, but if your business needs justify additional licenses your Startup can add additional members with approval from the BizSpark team.
So its Free?
It is a very decent deal and any technology provider that is even slightly interested in using microsoft products should avail themselves of the offer if they qualify.
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