The Planet Sand Castle
Give your sandbox an upgrade — apply for The Planet Sand Castle!
Turning your vision into a reality (especially on a budget) isn’t easy — just ask any entrepreneur. Software developers in particular, well … they have the added pressure of testing and rolling out new software while first having to find the online space for it. That’s why The Planet offers Sand Castle — no cost infrastructure made especially for the development community.
What to Expect
- A Dual Xeon server
- An enterprise-class data center—your server is hosted in a dedicated, secure environment
- A network of Tier 1 and peering bandwidth providers enabling max speed and accessibility around the world
- N+1 power architecture — its redundant power protects you from power disruptions
- Knowledgeable tech support around the clock
- All FREE for one full year
Server Configurations
We consulted with many developers, and with their feedback, we set minimum server specs for this program:
- Dual Xeon 2.4, 2.8 or 3.2
- 1GB RAM
- 2x73GB SCSI or 2x80GB IDE/SATA
- 10Mbps Unmetered Bandwidth
- Operating System: CentOS 5
Who’s eligible?
- Individuals and small businesses under 10 employees
- Your primary business must be Web Development or Design
- We want to see the great things you’re doing with your server, so we require you to publish a new domain within six months of beginning the program
Enrollment
The application process is simple:
- Fill out the one-page signup form with your contact information and vision for the Sand Castle server. Quantities are limited, and not every application will be accepted. Take time to detail your plans and provide any applicable examples to give yourself the best chance.
- We’ll evaluate your application and let you know if you’ve been made the cut within a week.
- When your application is approved, we’ll send you a link to “order” your server.
To verify your identity, we’ll require a credit card. But don’t fret. Your Sand Castle server will generate a zero–balance invoice, and your card won’t be charged.
Microsoft® WebsiteSpark™
Everyone needs a jumpstart every now and then — even Web developers and designers.
Luckily, there’s Microsoft® WebsiteSpark™, a program designed to help people in the development community access premium tools — for free. The Planet offers access to free licensing for the latest versions of Windows Server and SQL Server through the Microsoft WebsiteSpark program. And when you choose The Planet as your hosting provider, you can rest assured that your business will hold steady on a world-class infrastructure.
What’s included?
- The WebsiteSpark Marketplace — expand your customer base and connect with network partners
- Professional support from Microsoft
- Connect with other Web developers and designers with complementary technologies or business models
- Full-featured Microsoft development tools and Web server production licenses for free
- Eligible candidates can stay in the program for up to three years
Who’s eligible?
- A professional service firm whose primary business is providing Web development and design services
- Businesses with no more than 10 members (including owners and employees)
What’s required?
- If you make the cut, you’ll need to set up a new website within six months of joining—after all, we want to see all the great things you’re working on…
- Report your new website (and any other new websites you build) through the WebsiteSpark Portal.
How much does it cost?
There are no up-front costs. At the end of the program, companies pay Microsoft a U.S. $100 program fee. Complete program details and requirements are available at http://www.microsoft.com/web/websitespark/
How to Join
To join the program, each firm must be sponsored by a WebsiteSpark Network Partner such as The Planet. To receive a nomination or to start hosting services for WebsiteSpark, simply fill out the online application form or chat with a member of our sales team.
For more info, visit the Microsoft WebsiteSpark home page at http://www.microsoft.com/web/websitespark/
Microsoft® BizSpark™
Developing your software on a Microsoft platform but worried about the cost?
We’ve got you covered with the Microsoft BizSpark Program. It’s designed to give software companies of tomorrow unlimited access to premium tools when they need them most — right at the beginning — at no cost. Sweet!
The Planet offers access to free Microsoft software licensing through the BizSpark program. If you use The Planet as your BizSpark hosting provider, you’ll have access to the best choice in servers, start-of-the-art data centers, 24x7x365 support and an enterprise-class network. Super sweet.
The BizSpark program provides qualified start-ups with access to:
- Full–featured development tools (such as Visual Studio Team System)
- Production licensing for Windows Server and SQL Server
- Professional tech support from Microsoft
- Global visibility with an audience of potential investors, clients and partners
What’s required?
- Active engagement in the development of a software-based product or service that forms the nuts and bolts 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 a US $100 program fee and nothing more.
How to Join
To join BizSpark, each startup must be sponsored by a BizSpark Network Partner. Ready to join the BizSpark program at The Planet? Apply online or chat with a member of The Planet’s sales team.
Complete program details and requirements are available at http://www.microsoftstartupzone.com/bizspark