(WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) — IT hosting provider The Planet (www.theplanet.com) has become a member of Microsoft’s (www.microsoft.com) BizSpark Program, letting it provide free Microsoft software to early-stage startups, which may not otherwise be able to affordable such products.
According to its Monday announcement, The Planet, a gold-certified Microsoft partner, offers the program (www.theplanet.com/BizSpark) to qualified companies through its status as an official Network Partner and Hosting Provider, helping independent software vendors get off the ground with software-as-a-service offerings.
“Both The Planet and Microsoft are committed to lowering the barrier to entry for small and emerging companies,” The Planet dedicated server division general manager Urvish Vashi said in a statement. “As entrepreneurs develop business plans and face the stark reality of start-up costs, they look to save money so they’re able to preserve hard-fought capital for their development resources, particularly in today’s difficult economic environment. Coupled with a hosting solution from The Planet, the BizSpark program offers extraordinary value.”
In order for companies to qualify for BizSpark, start-ups must be actively engaged in the development of a software-based product or service, be privately held, be in business for less than three years, and generate less than $1 million annual revenue. The only fee is a $100 program offering, payable to Microsoft at the end of participation in the program.
Qualifying companies have access to full-featured development tools, including Visual Studio Team System, and production licensing for Windows Server and SQL Server. They also have access to professional technical support, as well as a global community of business experts whose guidance can help start-up companies through the hurdles of business growth. Companies also gain global visibility to audiences of potential investors, clients and partners, through the program.
Developed over the past few years, Mircosoft has partnered with a number of hosts to deliver BizSpark, including Go Daddy (www.godaddy.com) and Malaysian web hosting provider Exabytes Network (www.exabytes.com).
