The Planet and Microsoft BizSpark™

From the beginning, start-up software companies face a critical choice: Develop their software on unsupported open-source tools or on Microsoft’s commercially available and supported software development platform, which they cannot afford. The Microsoft BizSpark Program is designed to give the software companies of tomorrow unlimited access to the premium tools they need today, when they need them the most — right at the beginning — at no cost.

As an official Network Partner and Hosting Provider, The Planet offers access to free Microsoft software licensing through the Microsoft BizSpark program. With The Planet as your BizSpark hosting provider, you can build your business on a solid foundation for growth that is based on the best choice in servers, start-of-the-art data centers, 24x7x365 support and an enterprise-class network.

The BizSpark program provides qualified start-ups with access to:

• Software — Join BizSpark and you’re just clicks away from having access to current, full-featured development tools, including Visual Studio Team System, plus production licensing for Windows Server and SQL Server to develop and bring your solution to market
• Support — BizSpark provides you with professional technical support from Microsoft, and connects you to a global community of business experts who can help guide you through the hurdles of growing your business
• Visibility — Through BizSpark, you’ll have the opportunity to achieve global visibility with an audience of potential investors, clients and partners

Eligibility requirements for each startup are minimal:

• Active engagement in the development of a software-based product or service that forms a core piece of its current or intended business
• Be privately held
• In business for less than 3 years at the time of enrollment
• Generate less than US $1 million in annual revenue

There are no upfront costs. At the end of the program, companies pay Microsoft only a US $100 program fee. Complete program details and requirements are available at http://www.microsoftstartupzone.com/bizspark.

How to Join

To join BizSpark, each startup must be sponsored by a BizSpark Network Partner. For more information visit the Microsoft BizSpark Startup Zone www.microsoftstartupzone.com/bizspark to learn more.

Ready to join the BizSpark program at The Planet? Click here to apply online or chat with a member of The Planet’s sales team!