Have you got a spark? 

Do you have an innovative product or service that you are looking to launch? Do you need access to software that allows you to build it and run it? Microsoft BizSpark could be the programme for you and as a Network Partner Dot Net is your entry in.

Until recently any boot-strapped start-up looking to set up an IT based business had only one choice: open source. It was simply the only way to access software that was free of charge. However, it wasn’t without its problems. For a start, it pushes out development times. There’s a plethora of choices, varieties, versions and builds to choose from. And once you have chosen, the development tools available to you do not offer anywhere near the productivity required. Of course, there is also the eternal fear of copyright or patent infringement and support is community based and not formalised or guaranteed. Finally, if the product or service is successful and demand ramps up, it’s often difficult to scale out these solutions to the levels required. Performance has been a problem in a number of well-publicised examples. By the time a start-up realises it needs an enterprise solution it’s often too late and the costs of a retro-fit are prohibitively expensive.

To address these issues Microsoft has set-up BizSpark – an innovative new scheme that is designed to support and accelerate the success of a new generation of high-potential new ventures. It provides free licenses to use full-featured Microsoft development tools and technologies, plus production licensing for hosted solutions. For support, BizSpark unites a global community of technology and entrepreneurial experts who can guide you through the hurdles of growing a new business. If you’re a business with less than £500,000 in revenue and have been trading fewer than three years, then you’re eligible to join.