BizSpark is intended to "accelerate the success of entrepreneurs and early-stage startups" using, of course, Microsoft technology, according to the Redmond, Washington-based software colossus.<\/p>\n
"Microsoft BizSpark is an exciting way for us to help provide business startups with the development tools, advice and exposure they need," said Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer.<\/p>\n
"We look forward to working with organizations and development agencies around the globe to foster entrepreneurship and help new companies succeed."<\/p>\n
To be eligible for the program, companies must be privately owned; less than three years old, and have annual revenues of no more than a million dollars.<\/p>\n
Startups must be "nominated" by BizSpark Network Partners including economic development agencies, venture capitalists, business incubators, and groups such as global nonprofit The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE).<\/p>\n
"We think Microsoft BizSpark addresses a fundamental challenge startups face: access to current, full-featured tools and technologies that help turn ideas into a thriving business," said TiE chief executive Suren Dutia.<\/p>\n
"We are excited to be part of this new effort to propagate entrepreneurship globally, cultivating the future generation of highly successful entrepreneurs."<\/p>\n
There is no cap on the number of startups that can get into the BizSpark program and they can come from any of 82 countries.<\/p>\n
Startups will be profiled in an online BizSparkDB directory and also get discounted access to Microsoft "cloud computing" resources.<\/p>\n
Cloud computing is a trend of programs being offered online as services hosted by Internet firms instead of installed on machines in people’s homes or workplaces.<\/p>\n
Startups pay nothing to be involved with BizSpark but there is a 100 dollar "exit fee" at the end of the three-year program or if companies leave for other reasons, such as being acquired or going bust.<\/p>\n
Microsoft vice president of Strategic and Emerging Business Development Dan’l Lewin told AFP that BizSpark has been in development for several years and it is serendipity that it launches during turmoil in financial markets.<\/p>\n
"It is coincidence; we were certainly not prescient in any way as to what is going on with financial markets around the world," Lewin said.<\/p>\n
"We think this is really an opportune time. There are all these new applications for desktops, mobile phones, networks and there is a lot of stuff going on in the cloud."<\/p>\n
Microsoft concedes it is protecting its own interests by reaching out to help startups.<\/p>\n
"Pretty much our entire business model is hinged on other people using our technology," Lewin said. "Most startups don’t make it. We’d like them to survive and be using our technology."<\/p>\n
Information about BizSpark is posted online at microsoftstartupzone.com.<\/p>\n
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