Microsoft just recently released a program call BizSpark. The program is oriented to companies that are starting their own software product development or “service that will form a core piece of its current or intended business”. So if you are hosting company, web shop or outsourcing company – this one is not for you.
I find this program amazing since it gives access to many MS product which otherwise are just not possible to get if you are small startup company. What is also great is that the program is free to join, yes, FREE, and there is $100 exit fee which is just absolutely nothing for what you get.
Except the business orientation requirement, in order to be eligible you need also the following:
- Privately held
- In business for less than 3 years
- Less than US $1 million in annual revenue
And finally here is the list of all the benefits that you get:
Design, development, testing and demonstrations rights with regard to:
- All the software included in the Visual Studio Team System Team Suite (VSTS) with MSDN Premium subscription
- Expression Studio (Version 2)
- VSTS Team Foundation Server (Standard Edition)
Production Use rights to host a “software as a service” solution (developed by the startup during their participation, on any platform) over the Internet, with regard to products including: Windows Server (all versions up to and including Enterprise); SQL Server (all versions); Office SharePoint Server; Systems Center, and BizTalk Server
This is actually the first time Microsoft is giving TFS Standard Edition almost for free (Workgroup edition included in MSDN Premium is for use of max 5 people). A good sign to the development world.