A screenshot of the homepage for Microsoft's BizSpark program, a resource for startup businesses.
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(WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- Web hosting provider PEER 1 Network Enterprises (www.peer1.com) announced on Wednesday that Microsoft has selected the web host to join its BizSpark program (www.microsoft.com/BizSpark/) as a network partner.
Launched in November, the BizSpark program is a global program designed to help entrepreneurs and startups succeed by connecting them to network partners.
As active members of the global software ecosystem, BizSpark network partners provide these startups with mentorship, guidance and resources during their first three years.
Through the program, entrepreneurs and startups are provided with full-featured Microsoft development tools and production licenses of server products, free of any upfront costs and minimal requirements, as well as technical support and market visibility.
According to the press release, the BizSpark program ultimately provides an "ongoing, mutually beneficial ecosystem between Microsoft, startups and network partners."
"As a hosting network partner for Bizspark we provide the highly flexible and scalable hosting environment needed for startups as well as small to mid-size businesses," says Lee Hadsock, channel sales manager for PEER 1. "This represents an additional channel to attract promising new companies with rapid growth potential that will require the high performance network and advanced technical support that PEER 1 provides."
Microsoft says it is "committed to helping entrepreneurs to transform their ambitions into sustainable, dynamic businesses and to foster innovation and entrepreneurialism."
To be eligible for the Microsoft BizSpark program, startups must be actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that is a core piece of their business model, have been in business less than three years, and have less than $1 million in revenue.
Additionally, startups may enroll for the program by gaining sponsorship from a designated BizSpark Network Partner.
With more than 10,000 customers, PEER 1 provides scalable managed hosting, dedicated hosting through the ServerBeach brand, as well as colocation solutions.
In October, PEER 1 partnered with application performance management service provider Absolute Performance to offer a range of advanced monitoring solutions to PEER 1's customers.
Microsoft announced on Tuesday it has promoted Bob Muglia to president of the company's server and tools business.
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May 2009 - The Blueprint for a Small Web Host
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