Microsoft BizSpark

Aimed at supporting businesses when they need it most, the Microsoft BizSpark program will allow you to benefit from free development tools and licenses as well sales and marketing support via the Microsoft BizSpark website. The aim is simple. Let’s help you to accelerate your business in its early startup phase with no upfront costs and minimal requirements.

Microsoft BizSpark is the quickest way to get your startup fired up!

How do I enrol for Microsoft BizSpark?

To enrol on the Microsoft BizSpark program, simply go to www.microsoft.com /bizspark and log on using your Microsoft Live ID.

Once you have completed your online profile then you can select NetBenefit as your hosting provider and download the free software that you would like to use.

Which development tools and licenses are free with Microsoft BizSpark?

You can download the following tools for free from the website once you have registered:

• 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)

When you are ready to host your online application then you can benefit from the following licenses for free as part of your hosting service:

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

How much does it cost?

The BizSpark program is free to join but there is a $100 fee payable to Microsoft when your organisation leaves the program.

What are the requirements for joining the Microsoft BizSpark program?

• Your organisation should be actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that will form a core piece of its current or intended business
• Your organisation should have been trading for less than three years
• Your annual revenue should be less than US $1 million annually
• Your organisation should be privately held