Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Microsoft Targets Startups With Free Software

Microsoft is taking a new tact on increasing its market share: free software for startups. Microsoft is in the midst of a full fledged launch of a new program it is calling BizSpark, which offers free copies of Visual Studio, Microsoft SQL Server, Windows Server, SharePoint, and other tools to startup firms. The new program is open to software development startups, who have been in business for less than 3 years and have annual revenues of under $1M. Microsoft's move comes as many startups have begun opting for open source tools such as Linux, instead of using Microsoft tools for their development efforts. According to Microsoft, the program is free, with startups only having to pay $100 when the startup exits the program.