(WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) — On-demand data center and hosting services provider SoftLayer Technologies (www.softlayer.com) has been approved as a partner in the Microsoft Hosting BizSpark Program (www.microsoft.com/bizspark), which will allow SoftLayer to provide qualifying startup companies with discounted Microsoft development software and tools.
According to SoftLayer’s Monday announcement, qualified startups receive a wide range of benefits including fast and easy access to full-featured Microsoft development tools, platform technologies, and server product production licenses to help develop and bring innovative solutions to market.
Designed to equip emerging, high-potential startups with entrepreneurial and technological resources, BizSpark is a global program that can accelerate their early growth and success. It gives these businesses access to Microsoft Network Partners around the world, including incubators, investors, advisors, and government agencies focused on software-fueled innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as providing global visibility to potential investors, clients, peers, and partners.
“We are excited to be involved in the BizSpark program. It extends our startup customers important advantages, dynamic platforms, and strong connections at a critical point in their business development,” SoftLayer chief strategy officer George Karidis said in a statement. “We have long partnered with Microsoft to offer the latest software to our customers. And now BizSpark will let us do even more to foster the companies that will be tomorrow’s solutions leaders.”
Earlier in the month, SoftLayer launched a new line of cloud-based storage and content delivery services, offering customers, ranging from individuals to enterprises, powerful options for scaling their IT resources that maximize data accessibility and reduce their total IT bill.
SoftLayer is the latest hosting provider to recently become a BizSpark program member, joining Go Daddy (www.godaddy.com) and NaviSite (www.navisite.com).
