Microsoft BizSpark

TechMaine is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a Network Partner for Microsoft’s BizSpark Program to link software development start-ups with exceptional resources. Through this partnership, TechMaine can provide eligible TechMaine members with free Microsoft software, which may have otherwise been unaffordable for these companies.

The program will provide start-ups with

  • “Expert access” to Microsoft tools and technologies, for their immediate use in design, development, testing, demonstration, and hosted application production and deployment
  • Connections with Network Partners and a united, global community of support resources
  • Global visibility on the MicrosoftStartupZone website via the BizSparkDB, an online Startup directory, hosted on the MIcrosoftStartupZone website

To be eligible, companies need to be:

  • In the business of software development
  • Privately held
  • In business for less than 3 years
  • Have less than US $1 million in annual revenue

To be eligible to use the software for production and deployment of hosted solutions, start-ups must also be developing a new “software as a service” solution (on any platform) to be delivered over the Internet.

“We are pleased to be partnering with TechMaine on this program to increase awareness to all of the start-up software companies in Maine, as well as to help us identify new entrepreneurs in this state,” said Don Dodge, Business Development, Microsoft. “TechMaine is a very highly regarded regional association, so their network of software companies will help make sure entrepreneurs across Maine are aware of the opportunities to take advantage of the program,” he added.

“Entrepreneurs and innovation are the drivers for our state and global economy. Being able to build on our support of Maine’s tech sectors with Microsoft’s BizSpark program will provide entrepreneurs with the tools, technologies, and connections to increase their business success,” said Joe Kumiszcza, executive director, TechMaine. “Current economic conditions combined with the search for business process innovation makes this is a particularly good time for companies to take advantage of this program and leverage Microsoft tools and expertise,” he said.

Companies will be provided Microsoft’s current full-featured development tools, platform technologies, and production licenses for immediate use in developing and bringing to market innovative and interoperable solutions. There is no upfront cost to enroll in Microsoft BizSpark.

For more information about the details and how to apply, please fill out the TechMaine BizSpark Application. For more details about the full program, please visit BizSpark.

What software is included in BizSpark?

  • All the software included in the Microsoft® Visual Studio® Team System Team Suite (VSTS) with MSDN® Premium subscription (see below)
  • Expression® Studio Version 2
  • VSTS Team Foundation Server (standard edition)
  • Production use rights to host a “software as a service” solution (developed during participation in the BizSpark Program, on any platform) over the Internet, with regard to the latest versions of Microsoft products including:
    • Microsoft Windows Server® (all editions up to and including Enterprise)
    • Microsoft SQL Server® (all editions)
    • Microsoft Office SharePoint® Portal Server
    • Microsoft System Center
    • Microsoft BizTalk® Server
    • Microsoft Dynamics® CRM

What is in an MSDN Premium subscription?
MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) Premium subscription provides participants with access to a broad range of Microsoft tools and technologies that enable teams to design, develop and test software solutions. MSDN Premium also includes access to MSDN’s expert information resources for developers, such as:

  • Managed newsgroups support: For developers the first port-of-call for answers is usually the community. If not effectively answered by the community, posts to the MSDN Newsgroups from MSDN subscribers will be picked up by Microsoft engineers within 2 business days.
  • Online Concierge: MSDN Online Concierge is a chat-based service, providing subscribers with a guide to the rich online resources of MSDN.com - which includes resources such as:
  • MSDN Library, an essential source of information for developers using Microsoft tools, products, and technologies, which includes how-to and reference documentation, sample code, technical articles, and more.
  • Developer Centers, which pull together content and resources around specific products and technologies.
  • Forums, which provide resources for getting answers to technical questions.

Program Notes:
Software development means the startup is developing a software-based product or service that will form a core piece of the startup’s own business. Startups cannot be in the business of providing services to others such as hosting, web agency, system integration or outsourced development. Startups who are actively engaged in software development but have not yet completed the formalities of establishing a business are also eligible for entry into BizSpark The Program may add local variances on the revenue limit requirement calibrated to local economic conditions in the startup’s place of business. Once you complete the short application and receive your enrollment code, joining BizSpark is fast and easy. No payment or credit card information is required, and there are no upfront costs. (Microsoft will assess a $100 program offering fee at the end of participation in the program, or the end of three years, whichever comes first.) On the first and second anniversary of initial enrollment, the start-up must update their enrollment (e.g., confirm that the company has not gone public and ownership has not changed).