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Microsoft has launched these two programs for startups. Has anyone taken advantage of these and for how long are you using it? How has the experience been? Do you see any ROI in these programs? Update: Thanks all for the answers. Anything nearly free does make sense always :) What I wanted to know was about the legal process for the same. Does the company needs to be a registered company? Do you have to produce any documents for approvals and what is the overall cost of the approval process. Would be good if anyone can throw some light on this. Thanks again. |
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+1 for Navin. I've enrolled in BizSpark, not using any of its software for development but got licensed versions of Office, Windows etc. I too thinks $100 three years from now is a very great deal ($100 = 5000 INR & only Windows & Ultimate is ~10000 INR). |
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I haven't used either program, but: Considering that there is no real "investment" in these programs, I think the issue of RoI doesn't really arise. What do you have to lose by joining these programs? I think having to pay $100 three years from now, for all that free software is a good deal. what are you worried about? |
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Go for it without another thought, this is a great program from microsoft. Disclaimer I work for Microsoft. |
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tasty khana is using it. they told me that they applied for couple of times and then their application was accepted. |
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Santosh Dawara adds this answer: My startup is registered for Bizspark and we leverage it extensively for testing + building Lipikaar on different Windows platforms, productivity software and so on. Big bonus for those starting up with tight budgets. |
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Hemant, As far as the 'procedure' is concerned, there is really no legal process. As long as the local 'community manager' for the BizSpark program or the WebSpark program is convinced that you are doing a startup, you don't have to show any other documents/paperwork. |
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This answer is by Shachin Bharadwaj of TastyKhana, over at Pune Startups Mailing list: We are listed as a Bizspark company... and I would definitely recommend startups to try for this. You get to access the entire range of MS software and not only OS and Office. The requirements are very clearly listed on the Bizspark site and all you need is a Windows Live ID. Just make note of one point when you submit the application: Bizspark has certain listed partners, who I guess approve/reject entries. Their partners are organizations like TiE, VCs, Angel Funds etc - The form will ask you to select any such reference who you think may approve your request, select someone who may know your organization personally. Definitely do not select 'none' (we got rejected first time when we selected this!)... We opted for one of the VC firms who had interacted with us. Regards Shachin Bharadwaj |
