Microsoft BizSpark for Startups

I don’t regularly write about startups, at least not about developer technology, financing and that kind of stuff but I did want to highlight this new program for startups we just launched. Here’s how it was described on Techcrunch:

“Virtually everything a startup needs to build a web service (many of the tools and software compete with open source alternatives, such as MySQL) is being offered to startups for free for three years. The program, run by VP Strategic and Emerging Business Development Dan’l Lewin, is global and provides access to full-featured development tools and production licenses of server products with no upfront costs. BizSpark also provides the necessary hand holding with free technical support.”

First of all this seems like an exciting program to me but I also wanted to highlight that Dan’l Lewin will be interviewed by Steve Gillmor on stage at LeWeb in Paris this year. Also in case you’re going to LeWeb make sure you visit the Microsoft booth which will have a lot of information about this… and some nice surprises, but more on that later :)

Also check out the blog of my buddy Julien Codorniou who’s program manager for BizSpark in Redmond, he’ll be at LeWeb as well.