Find out answers to the most commonly asked questions

Microsoft BizSpark is a global program designed to accelerate the success of early stage Startups.

BizSpark provides software, support and visibility to Startups:

Software: 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.

• All the software included is equivalent to a Microsoft® Visual Studio® Team System Team Suite (VSTS) with MSDN® Premium subscription. Additionally, VSTS Team Foundation Server (Standard Edition) is available for use by the entire development team.
• Expression® Studio Version 2
• Production use rights to host a “software-plus-services” solution (developed during participation in the BizSpark Program, on any platform) over the Internet, with regard to the latest 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 BizTalk® Server
  • Microsoft System Center for managing hosting server operations.
• In addition to the core program offering, BizSpark startups may be eligible for other Microsoft offerings, such as Virtual Earth
• Startups may also work with a BizSpark hosting partner to deliver their software–plus-services solution using the latest Microsoft server products. For specific details on technology offerings and hosting scenarios refer to the Microsoft BizSpark Program Guide for Startups (Appendix A and Appendix B).

Support

• Community-driven support (guidance, resources and mentoring) by Network Partners, active members of the global software ecosystem who are qualified to provide support and advice to Startups
• Professional Support from Microsoft: Two technical support Incidents per Startup and Access to MSDN, online library, etc.
• Unlimited email support, online training and invitations to local technical events for entrepreneurs working with early adopter technologies, like Windows 7, Silverlight, Azure and SQL Server 2008.

Visibility

• Each BizSpark Startup will have the opportunity to profile their organization in the BizSparkDB, an online Startup directory, hosted on the Microsoft StartupZone 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 a BizSpark Featured Startup on the Microsoft StartupZone website.

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 at the time of enrollment[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-plus-services " solution (on any platform) to be delivered over the Internet.

[1]Startups cannot be in the business of providing services to others such as hosting, web agency, system integration or outsourced development.

[2]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.

[3]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.

Is my startup still “privately held” (for purposes of BizSpark eligibility) if it has venture capital or other outside investors who hold an ownership interest and/or have seats on its board?

Startups are "privately held" for purposes of BizSpark eligibility as long as:

• a single venture capital firm, angel investor, or other financial investor (such as investors who would be “accredited investors” under US SEC rules or equivalent rules if outside of the United States) does not hold a majority of seats on, or otherwise control, its board or other governing body; and
• no other type of outside investor (e.g. an operating company) holds an interest of more than 20% in the startup.

Yes, BizSpark is available to any Startup that meets the program eligibility requirements. 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. 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. 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 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 an e-mail welcoming them to BizSpark.

Microsoft BizSpark is currently offered in Chinese (simplified), English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish and Russian. Please visit the Microsoft® BizSpark website for complete information on eligibility and enrollment. 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 accept the Startup agreement terms. There is a 25 member limit for initial user registrations, but if your business needs justify additional licenses your Startup can add additional members with approval from the BizSpark team. Contact bizspark@microsoft.com for more information. Startups can participate in the program for three years (renewed annually), unless they are listed on a public exchange (go public), are acquired by a company that does not itself qualify for BizSpark, or fail to abide by program terms and conditions. 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.

• All the software included in the Visual Studio Team System Team Suite (VSTS) with MSDN Premium subscription Expression Studio (Version 2), plus VSTS Team Foundation Server Standard Edition - for the entire development team
  • The development tools provided are the same as those in MSDN Premium subscription, plus VSTS Team Foundation Server. However, there are features of MSDN Premium (such as support and internal use licenses) that are not included in BizSpark
• Production license use rights, to deploy, host and support Startup’s "Software-plus-Services" applications for delivery over the Internet, using the most current releases of the following products: Windows Server (all editions), SQL Server (all editions), BizTalk Server, and Office SharePoint Server for hosting. To deploy in production, a Startup may self-host or select an authorized BizSpark Hosting Partner through the BizSpark Network Partner directory.

For a complete listing of software available through BizSpark, please see Appendix A of the Microsoft BizSpark Program Guide for Startups and Program EULA for details. A MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) 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 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.

If you already have an existing MSDN subscription associated with your Windows Live ID. You can change the settings to default to your BizSpark MSDN subscription.

• Go to http://msdn.microsoft.com then link to ‘MSDN Subscriptions’ on the top navigation
• Click on ‘Manage My Subscription’ (just below the Home tab)
• Sign into Windows Live ID if/when prompted
• On the Manage My Subscription page select the BizSpark subscription from the dropdown list and click the Default button
• Click on the “Subscriber Downloads and Product Keys” to complete the default settings modification.

• In addition to the MSDN resources described above, the Startup’s primary contact is eligible to receive two technical support incidents. Startups can also get unlimited email support, online training and invitations to local technical events when working with early adopter technologies, like Windows 7, Silverlight, Azure and SQL Server 2008.

Yes, the program includes Hosting Partners. Hosting Partners are designated Network Partners who can provide hosting services for "software-plus-services " 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 by logging in and selecting the Hosting Partners link (located under the Find Resources section) and selecting a Hosting Partner from the filtered list. MSDN Customer Service Centers can assist you with topics including activating and managing your subscription, access to Subscriber Downloads, and more. Please connect to http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/aa948875.aspx to find the contact information for your local MSDN Customer Service Center. You can update your Primary Contact (aka Account Administrator) at any time by swapping administrator roles with any approved member of your Startup.

First, the current account administrator needs to connect to www.microsoft.com/bizspark and sign in with their Windows Live ID. Please contact BizSpark customer support if the current account administrator is no longer associated with your Startup.

Next, click the "Go" button located under "Add members to your account” which will link you to your BizSpark membership page. If the individual you wish to designate as account administrator is listed as a member and has an assigned Subscription ID you can proceed with the next step. Otherwise please follow the instructions for “How do I add members to my BizSpark account” to add the individual before continuing with the next step.

With the member listed on the screen, click the option to “Change Primary Contact” and select the new account administrator from the dropdown list box. If the name isn’t listed please be sure that the member status isn’t “pending”. If it is, the member must activate their account before you can complete this step. With the name selected, click the “Submit” link to complete the change. Once complete, the new account administrator can connect to www.microsoft.com/bizspark, sign in with their Windows Live ID and they will connect to the Startup home page with full administrator rights. Connect to www.microsoft.com/bizspark and sign in with your Windows Live ID.

Click the "Go" button located under "Add members to your account".

Enter the name and e-mail address for each member of your Startup who should have access to BizSpark program benefits, then click “Add.”

Each time you add a new member, BizSpark sends that person an e-mail message that includes a link to the BizSpark member enrollment page, and adds the person to the membership list with a “Pending” status. Once the member reads and accepts the BizSpark End User License Agreement, the status column changes to reflect the date of that acceptance, and that person becomes eligible for the program benefits described in the BizSpark Startup Program Guide. Each time you add a new member, BizSpark sends that person an e-mail message that includes a link to the BizSpark member enrollment page, and adds the person to the membership list with a “Pending” status.

The new member should click the link included in the email, sign in with their Windows Live ID, read and accept the end user license agreement. This will update their status from pending to active. You can access software and product keys from the MSDN Subscriber Downloads page. Then, you can select a Product Family from one of the categories in the tree or use the Search box to expose product files for download, product keys, and instructions in the main content area. You can also use the “My Product Keys” link at the top of the page to see or claim product keys.

The list of software downloads is visible to everyone. If certain items appear grayed out, you will be unable to download them or view their product keys. This may happen if:

• You are not signed in with your Windows Live ID
• You are not an active BizSpark member
• The product or file you are looking for has particular restrictions on its availability
• You are using an unsupported browser or operating system. This link has information about the browsers and (known issues) supported by the File Transfer Manager that the MSDN Program uses for its Subscriber downloads

Some BizSpark members have reported problems downloading the BizSpark software using their OS/X or MacOS browser. If your Macintosh computer has Windows available in a VM or via separate boot, you can download Windows from there. If you don’t yet have Windows you can often get trial versions on Microsoft.com.

Here is one example of a VHD, with IE8. This VHD is actually pre-loaded for VPC, which Microsoft does not make any more for Macintosh computers. However most Macintosh computer users will be using VMware, Parallels, or VirtualBox on their Macintosh computers, and you can easily import VPC VMs into all of those, so that should not be a problem.

MSDN's "Top Downloads" page will include a link for Windows Vista by late May 2009. Top Downloads uses an Akamai download manager which can be used on a Macintosh computer.  You can then use that environment to access MSDN and get a full copy of Microsoft Windows for development. You may do one or more of the following:

• Host a development and test environment on the Internet on your own (Self Host). To do this, you configure and operate your own servers on the Internet and can use the MSDN-based BizSpark software subscription. For details on how to activate and use your BizSpark software subscription, see the BizSpark Startup User Guide.
• Host a development and test environment on the Internet through any Hosting Partner. You can engage any Hosting Partner to provide a development and testing environment, upload your MSDN-based BizSpark software to the hosted environment, and use it in accordance with the BizSpark EULA. But, remember, you cannot provide your MSDN-based BizSpark software to your Hosting Partner to use in any situation. Your Hosting Partner is responsible for licensing the software it uses, and if the Hosting Partner uses non-BizSpark hosting software to provide your development and testing environment, you will not receive a discounted price from the Hosting Partner.
• Host your production environment on the Internet on your own (Self Host). As with the development and test environments, you may configure and operate your own servers for production, without licensing fees, using selected products from your BizSpark software subscription such as Windows Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008. Production use means to host and support your “software as a service” applications to customers over the Internet in accordance with the Startup Agreement and BizSpark End User License Agreement. For a list of covered products see Appendix A of the BizSpark Program Guide for Startups.
• Host your production environment on the Internet through a Hosting Partner. You can choose to contract with any Hosting Partner to provide a production environment for your “software as a service” applications to customers. But, there are some advantages in choosing a BizSpark Hosting Partner to provide hosting services to you:
  • BizSpark Hosting Partners are recognized for quality service and expertise.
  • You enjoy a discount on hosting services because BizSpark Hosting Partners are not charged Microsoft licensing fees for BizSpark-covered products used in production (for a list of covered products see Appendix A of the BizSpark Program Guide for Startups). Please note that Hosting Partners cannot use your MSDN-based BizSpark software for you in production; they must use their own licensed copies. Please also note that BizSpark Hosting Partners will still charge you for any services or costs apart from the Microsoft licenses.

These examples are not necessarily complete or definitive; please refer to the BizSpark Startup Agreement and the BizSpark End User License Agreement (“EULA”) for definitive use terms. Your BizSpark software is based on a MSDN subscription and so you may use copies of the software to design, test and demonstrate your program on your machine or in a hosted environment in accordance with the BizSpark Agreement and EULA BizSpark Hosting Servers

You can use the BizSpark Hosting Servers to host your own environment for design, testing, and demonstration or to deploy your software applications to your end-user customers. Here are some examples of deployment:

• You’re an ISV (independent software vendor) who has developed a CRM (Customer Relations Management) application using BizSpark development tools.
  • You can use BizSpark hosting servers to deploy and deliver your CRM application as a hosted service for use by business enterprises (customers) over the Internet.
• Your business is the operation of an online auction site.
  • You can use BizSpark hosting servers to host the software you developed (using BizSpark development tools) to run and operate your site for users of the site (customers) to conduct auctions.
• Your business is package delivery.
  • You can use BizSpark hosting servers to host the software you developed (using BizSpark development tools) to track deliveries, for use by your package delivery customers who wish to track their deliveries via your website.
• Your business is operation of a social networking site.
  • You can use BizSpark hosting servers to host the software you developed (using BizSpark development tools) to run and operate you site for customers’ social networking activities.

These examples are not necessarily complete or definitive, so please refer to the BizSpark Startup Agreement and the BizSpark EULA for definitive use terms.

BizSpark IT Operations Servers

You can use the BizSpark IT Operations Servers to manage your BizSpark Hosting & IT Operations servers in order to provide a design/testing/demonstration environment for yourself or to host your SaaS application to end-user customers. BizSpark provides you with rights to host your own applications using BizSpark hosting and IT Operations servers for production use: to host and support your “software as a service” application to your customers over the Internet. You may not use BizSpark Hosting or IT Operations Servers to:

• Run your own internal business.
  • Example: You may not develop an enterprise resource management tool for your own internal use.
• Allow your customers to directly access or use the BizSpark Hosting and IT Operations Servers.
  • Example: You may not develop a “database management” application sitting in front of SQL Server® that gives a customer direct control of the database or the ability to use the database for its own specific applications. You may not allow customers to manage anyone else’s servers.
• Facilitate your customers’ business including business transaction with 3rd parties.
  • Example: You may not host a customer’s website or online store.
• Host any software other than your own “software as a service” application.
  • Example: You may not host Microsoft products or 3rd party SaaS applications.

These examples are not necessarily complete or definitive, so please refer to the BizSpark Startup Agreement and the BizSpark EULA for definitive use terms. No. BizSpark Hosting Partners can only offer you the BizSpark-related discounts if you are currently enrolled in BizSpark and you’ve formally selected a Hosting Partner through the BizSpark portal. You can make this selection once you’ve enrolled and set up an account in the BizSpark portal.

BizSpark Hosting Partners are also BizSpark Network Partners, and many BizSpark Hosting Partners can enroll startups into the BizSpark program in addition to offering them discounts. By using the Network Partner Directory on the BizSpark web site, you can locate BizSpark Hosting Partners in your country, visit their web sites and determine if you can enroll in BizSpark through them. No, using Terminal Server currently is not covered by BizSpark and you cannot receive discounted rates from your BizSpark Hosting Partner on these services. Your Hosting Partner may offer this service under its regularly priced services. If you need to do this, check to make sure your Hosting Partner supports running Terminal Server and then work with them directly to determine the cost of service. Hosting expenses (like infrastructure, managed services, experience, and overhead) vary from location to location. BizSpark Hosting Partners are not charged for the Microsoft hosting software used to provide you with hosting environments so that savings is passed on to you. But, the Hosting Partners are free to set their own pricing for other expenses like infrastructure, services, etc. We provide BizSpark Hosting Partners in various locations and at a range of prices to give you the widest variety of options. We continuously recruit more hosting partners to provide you with more options. You must be using the BizSpark development tools to build a new “Software as a Service” (“SaaS”) application for delivery over the Internet. SaaS applications should have significant and primary functionality that makes use of the underlying Microsoft products, but does not give direct access to those products to the end user.

Examples of scenarios that do NOT qualify as a SaaS application include:

• Developing a set of “lightweight” SharePoint® templates and wizards, then selling SharePoint accounts to users including these components.
• Developing a “database management” application sitting in front of SQL Server® that gives the end user direct control of the database and the ability to use the database for their own specific applications.
• Developing a customer relationship management software application for its internal use in managing Startup’s resources or relationship with its customers.

These examples are not necessarily complete or definitive, so please refer to the BizSpark Startup Agreement and the BizSpark EULA for definitive use terms.

If you have questions as to whether a particular scenario is supported, please email details to bzshstr@microsoft.com. 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. 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. 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 Network Partner, which could include promotion on Microsoft Web properties, podcasts, webcasts and newsletters, as well as joint PR and marketing initiatives.

There are no costs or fees associated with being a Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner. Network Partners must agree to program terms and conditions. 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. You can update the designated account administrator at any time. First, the current account administrator needs to connect to www.microsoft.com/bizspark and sign in with their Windows Live ID. Please contact BizSpark customer support if the current account administrator is no longer associated with your organization.

Next, select the "Go" button located under "Edit primary contact which will link you to the “Edit Primary Contact” page.

Click “Generate code” button, cut and paste the resulting URL into an e-mail message, and send it to your replacement, instructing that person to click the URL included in the e-mail to enroll in BizSpark as the new primary contact.

Once complete, the new account administrator can connect to www.microsoft.com/bizspark, sign in with their Windows Live ID and they will connect to the Network Partner home page with full administrator rights. They should select the option to “Edit primary contact” to replace the previous contact information with their own. You can update the designated secondary account administrator at any time. First, the current account administrator needs to connect to www.microsoft.com/bizspark and sign in with their Live ID. Please contact BizSpark customer support if the current account administrator is no longer associated with your organization.


Next, select the "Go" button located under "Edit secondary contact which will link you to the “Edit Secondary Contact” page.

To add a secondary contact, enter their information and click update.

To modify an existing secondary contact, scroll down toward the bottom under Secondary Contact. Click the “Generate code” button, cut and paste the resulting URL into an e-mail message, and send it to the secondary contact instructing that person to click the URL included in the e-mail to enroll in BizSpark as the secondary contact.

Once complete, the new secondary account administrator can connect to www.microsoft.com/bizspark, sign in with their Windows Live ID and they will connect to the Network Partner home page with full administrator rights. They should select the option to “Edit primary contact” to replace the previous contact information with their own. Network Partners have the option of having their contact information listed on the BizSpark Website for Startups looking to associate with a Network Partner.

To set up your listing:

• Connect to www.microsoft.com/bizspark and sign in with your Windows Live ID.
• Click the "Go" button located under "Edit organization profile".
• Check the box at the top of the page.
• Enter a description of your company and the services you offer to Startups.
• Select the countries/regions where you provide these services
• Click “Update”.

Note that all text is subject to Microsoft review and approval prior to posting. To limit incoming requests for sponsorship, some Network Partners choose not to be listed on BizSpark web site. To remove your company listing:

• Go to the BizSpark Network Partner Home page.
• Click the "Go" button located under "Edit organization profile".
• Uncheck the check box at the top of the page.
• Click “Update.”

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 example@Contoso.com as their Windows Live™ ID and the ID could be used by multiple individuals within the same organization to log on. Hosting Partners are designated Network Partners who can provide hosting services to BizSpark Startups for "software-plus-services" 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. Participating Startups can select a hosting partner from the Microsoft BizSpark website by logging in and selecting the “Associate your Startup with a hosting organization” page.

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 bzshstr@microsoft.com. BizSpark Startups who wish to use a Hosting Partner to host Startup’s "software-plus-services" application on Startup’s behalf can select a Hosting Partner by connecting to www.microsoft.com/bizspark, signing in with their Windows Live ID and selecting "Manage Hosting Partner Relationship". Startups will be able to select a Hosting Partner by country/region.

Startups and Hosting Partners will then work directly with each other to establish their hosting services relationship. Your software must:

• add significant and primary functionality to the integrated Microsoft software.
• be owned, not licensed, by you.

Dashboards, HTML editors, utilities, and similar technologies are not considered a primary service and/or application of a unified solution.