Microsoft® BizSpark™ - Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs for Startups
What is Microsoft® BizSpark™?
Who is eligible for BizSpark?
Is BizSpark available to Startups that also use open source technologies?
What will it cost to participate in BizSpark?
Why is Microsoft offering this program?
What is the enrollment process for BizSpark?
Does every individual in a Startup have to enroll in BizSpark in order to download and use program software?
Can a Network Partner have multiple Windows Live™ IDs for secure access to the BizSpark Portal?
How long can Startups participate in BizSpark?
What happens after three years of participation in BizSpark?
What Microsoft software is included?
What is MSDN Premium?
Is any technical support available under the program?
Are hosting resources for Startups a part of BizSpark?
FAQs for Network Partners
What is a Network Partner?
What role do Network Partners play in recruiting Startups for enrollment in BizSpark?
What are the benefits of being a Network Partner?
How much does it cost to be a Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner?
Can Network Partners charge Startups for their support?
FAQs for Hosting Partners
What is a Hosting Partner?
How will Hosting Partners work with Startups?
FAQs for Startups
What is Microsoft® BizSpark?
Microsoft BizSpark is a global program designed to accelerate the success of early stage Startups. BizSpark provides entrepreneurs fast and easy access to current full-featured Microsoft development tools and productions licenses of server products, with no upfront costs and minimal requirements.
BizSpark Startups receive professional support from Microsoft as well as community-driven support from Network Partners, active organizations in the entrepreneurial space, who can provide guidance, mentorship and resources to Startups.
By virtue of their participation in BizSpark, Startups can also gain visibility with potential investors, partners and customers.
BizSpark provides software, support and visibility to high-potential Startups:
Software
- All the software included in the Microsoft® Visual Studio® Team System Team Suite (VSTS) with MSDN® Premium subscription
- Expression® Studio Version 2
- VSTS Team Foundation Server (standard edition)
- Production use rights to host a “software as a service” solution (developed during participation in the BizSpark Program, on any platform) over the Internet, with regard to the lastest versions of Microsoft products including:
- Microsoft Windows Server® (all editions up to and including Enterprise)
- Microsoft SQL Server® (all editions)
- Microsoft Office SharePoint® Portal Server
- Microsoft System Center
- Microsoft BizTalk® Server
- Microsoft Dynamics® CRM (coming soon)
In addition to the core program offering, BizSpark startups will be eligible for other Microsoft offerings, such as
Microsoft Azure™ Services Platform.
Support
- Guidance, resources and mentoring provided by Network Partners, active members of the global software ecosystem who are qualified to provide support and advice to Startups
- Access to MSDN Premium: managed newsgroups, online library, online concierge, etc.
- Two technical support Incidents per Startup
Visibility
- Each BizSpark Startup will have the opportunity to profile their company in the BizSparkDB, an online Startup directory, hosted on the Microsoft Startup Zone web site. Startups will get exposure to potential investors, partners and customers around the world.
- Opportunity to be highlighted on the BizSparkDB as a featured company and be promoted as BizSpark Company of the Week on the Microsoft Startup Zone website.
^ back to top
Who is eligible for BizSpark?
An eligible Startup must have the following characteristics at the time of joining:
- Actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that will form a core piece of its current or intended business[1],
- Privately held,
- In business for less than 3 years[2], and
- Less than US $1 million in annual revenue[3].
To be eligible for Production License rights, Startups must also be developing a "software as a service" solution (on any platform) to be delivered over the Internet.
^ back to top
Is BizSpark available to Startups that also use open source technologies?
Yes, BizSpark is available to any Startup that meets the program eligibility requirements.
^ back to top
What will it cost to participate in BizSpark?
As part of Microsoft’s commitment to Startup success, there is no upfront cost to enroll in the program. Startups will be responsible for a USD$100 program offering fee when they exit the program.
^ back to top
Why is Microsoft offering this program?
The BizSpark program is based on Microsoft’s belief that by helping Startups succeed, we will help build a valued long-term relationship with them, and together we can build a more vibrant global software economy. BizSpark will help Startups by providing access to Microsoft software when they most need it and can least afford it, and by supporting the network of organizations - startup incubators, investors, advisors, government agencies - that are equally involved and invested in software-fueled innovation and entrepreneurship. Microsoft is committed to working with those organizations as part of the Microsoft BizSpark Network to ensure that we are supporting the broadest possible startup audience, in a way that complements the value those network organizations already provide.
^ back to top
What is the enrollment process for BizSpark?
Startups may enroll in the program via sponsorship by designated BizSpark Network Partners. Enrollment may be done on the Microsoft® BizSpark website
Note: If a Startup is not able to locate a Network Partner in its region, the Startup can contact a Microsoft representative and ask for assistance. This can be done directly from the the Microsoft® BizSpark website. At enrollment, Startups will be asked to accept a BizSpark Startup agreement and end user license agreement for the software.
Once the simple enrollment process is complete, participants will receive a welcome e-mail that includes a unique subscription ID that can be used to activate the software download benefits delivered via MSDN.
Microsoft BizSpark is currently offered in Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Russian. Please visit the Microsoft® BizSpark website for complete information on eligibility and enrollment.
^ back to top
Does every individual in a Startup have to enroll in BizSpark in order to download and use program software?
No, enrollment is per Startup. However, each individual in a Startup who wants to download and use program software will need to accept the BizSpark end user license agreement and acknowledge agreement to Startup agreement terms.
^ back to top
Can a Network Partner have multiple Windows Live™ IDs for secure access to the BizSpark Portal?
In order for multiple users at a Network Partner site to use a single Windows Live™ ID to log in we recommend setting up a single shared Windows Live™ ID. For example, Contoso Ltd. could use Contoso@example.com as their Windows Live™ ID and the ID could be used by multiple individuals within the same organization to log on.
^ back to top
How long can Startups participate in BizSpark?
Startups can participate in the program for three years (renewed annually), unless they go public, are acquired by a company that does not itself qualify for BizSpark, or fail to abide by program terms and conditions.
^ back to top
What happens after three years of participation in BizSpark?
In addition to responsibility for the USD$100 program offering fee, Startups can continue to use the development tools they previously obtained through the program. If Startups wish to continue to receive updates to development tools, Startups can renew their MSDN subscription at usual rates and terms. To continue to use the production licenses, Startups may choose to take advantage of a licensing program like Microsoft’s Services Provider License Agreement program (or other Microsoft licensing programs that may be available at the time), but are in no way obligated to do so.
^ back to top
What Microsoft software is included?
See Appendix A of the Microsoft BizSpark Program Guide for Startups and Program EULA for details.
^ back to top
What is MSDN Premium?
A MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) Premium subscription provides participants with access to a broad range of Microsoft tools and technologies that enable teams to design, develop and test software solutions. MSDN Premium also includes access to MSDN’s expert information resources for developers, such as:
- MSDN Library, an essential source of information for developers using Microsoft tools, products, and technologies, which includes how-to and reference documentation, sample code, technical articles, and more.
- Developer Centers, which pull together content and resources around specific products and technologies.
- Forums, which provide resources for getting answers to technical questions.
^ back to top
Is any technical support available under the program?
In addition to the MSDN resources described above, the Startup’s primary contact will be eligible to receive two technical support incidents. More information is available at Microsoft Customer Support.
^ back to top
Are hosting resources for Startups a part of BizSpark?
Yes, the program will include Hosting Partners. Hosting Partners are designated Network Partners who can provide hosting services for "software as a service" applications developed by BizSpark Startups, for Startups who choose not to use their production licenses to host those application themselves. Participating Startups can select a hosting partner from the Microsoft BizSpark website.
^ back to top
FAQs for Network Partners
What is a Network Partner?
Network Partners are active members of the local software ecosystem engaged with high-potential, early stage Startups. They are organizations specifically focused on supporting software entrepreneurs and Startups, or whose activities include a focus on promoting and supporting software Startups, through programs, mentoring, networking, business advice, financial and legal assistance, or similar services and activities.
For more information on how to become a BizSpark Network Partner, please visit the Microsoft BizSpark website.
^ back to top
What role do Network Partners play in recruiting Startups for enrollment in BizSpark?
Microsoft wants to create a strong partnership with the entrepreneur community, and we expect most Startups to be associated with, and therefore recruited by, our Network Partners. In situations where Network Partner availability is limited, Microsoft may work directly with Startups.
^ back to top
What are the benefits of being a Network Partner?
Through their participation in BizSpark, Network Partners can extend their reach in the Startup community and receive exposure as a Microsoft partner.
Specifically, participation in BizSpark provides Network Partners:
- The opportunity to provide Startups access to valuable technology-based benefits, at no cost to the Network Partner’s organization - a highly attractive benefit that supports and advances innovation and cross-platform interoperability.
- Exposure to new, high-potential technology Startups on the Microsoft Startupzone and Microsoft BizSpark websites.
- High-profile, global exposure as a Microsoft partner, which could include promotion on Microsoft Web properties, podcasts, webcasts and newsletters, as well as joint PR and marketing initiatives.
^ back to top
How much does it cost to be a Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner?
There are no costs or fees associated with being a Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner. Network Partners must agree to program terms and conditions.
^ back to top
Can Network Partners charge Startups for their support?
If a Network Partner assesses a membership fee to join its organization, it may extend those fees to BizSpark Startups should it choose to do so. Otherwise, no fees should be charged to Startups by Network Partners for any BizSpark-related support.
^ back to top
FAQs for Hosting Partners
What is a Hosting Partner?
Hosting Partners are designated Network Partners who can provide hosting services to BizSpark Startups for "software as a service" solutions developed by the Startups. Hosting Partners will obtain the Microsoft server products they use to provide hosting services to Startups directly from Microsoft under their Service Provider License Agreement with Microsoft, and must agree to BizSpark terms and conditions for Hosting Partners.
Microsoft Communications Sector will identify, recruit and work with BizSpark Hosting Partners. If you would like to join the program as a Hosting Partner, please contact startups@microsoft.com.
^ back to top
How will Hosting Partners work with Startups?
BizSpark Startups who wish to use a Hosting Partner to host Startup’s "software as a service" application on Startup’s behalf can select a Hosting Partner from the BizSpark website, at http://www.microsoft.com/bizspark. Startups and Hosting Partners will then work directly with each other to establish their hosting services relationship.
^ back to top
Startups cannot be in the business of providing services to others such as hosting, web agency, system integration or outsourced development.
Startups who are actively engaged in software development but have not yet completed the formalities of establishing a business are also eligible for entry into BizSpark.
This requirement has been adjusted to add local variances calibrated to local economic conditions in the startup’s place of business, below. If a Startups’ place of business is not listed below, then the revenue limit is US $1 million.
-
USD $750,000 China
-
USD $500,000 Greece, Korea, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, Spain, Ukraine
-
USD $250,000 Egypt, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam
