So Microsoft has a new initiative to help connect internet software startup companies with the resources they need (information, investors, potential customers, partners, and of course their software). There seems to be a ton of good stuff on their startupzone website and for those that are looking to form a new startup in today's economy, this resource may prove to be a godsend.
So it looks like to qualify for the program you just need the following:
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Business is less than 3 years old with anual revenues under $1M and privately held
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Actively engaged in development of a software-based product or serice that will form core pirce of intended business.
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Must be sponsored by a Network Partner (the site helps connect you with partners)
The benefits include:
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A bunch of licenses for MS software, mostly development related, but also "production use rights" to host SaaS solutions on some MS server products, and the Azure platform when it's available.
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Support tools and two tech support incidents (all sort of similar to what other MS Partners get)
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Access to the Startup community including potential partners, customers, and investors.
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Visibility in the form of listings in their online database as well as some features on their website.
Whether you are planning on starting a new business or not, there's some valuable infomation on the site. I learned quite a bit from the stuff in the Resources and Blogs tab. Check it out today.
http://www.microsoftstartupzone.com