Frequently Asked Questions

Microsoft BizSpark is a global program that helps software startups succeed by giving them access to Microsoft software development tools, connecting them with key industry players, including investors, and providing marketing visibility to help entrepreneurs starting a business.

Microsoft believes that by helping startups succeed we’re helping to build a valued long-term partnership. Together we can build a more vibrant global software economy.

BizSpark helps startups by providing access to Microsoft software when you 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.

The Microsoft BizSpark program is based on the belief that startup success is our success. Microsoft is committed to help technology startups realize their goals on their own terms and in the shortest amount of time. Through BizSpark, Microsoft's goals are to:

• Help young and innovative software companies gain valuable experience and expertise in Microsoft technologies, with no upfront costs. In other words, they can get the technologies they need when they can least afford them.
• Help startups establish connections with local and global startup ecosystems - VCs, angels, incubators, entrepreneur associations, etc. - that are equally involved and invested in software-fueled innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Stimulate vibrant local software ecosystems and promote innovation and interoperability.
• Support the broadest possible startup audience in a way that complements their values and the organizations that support them.

Basically, BizSpark is a sponsor-based program, with these Program Roles:

• Champ: A Microsoft employee who works with Network Partners, Startups, and Hosting Partners. Champs can recruit Network Partners, Hosting Partners, and Startups as well as approve their requests for enrollment.
• Network Partner: An active member of the local software ecosystem engaged with high-potential, early stage Startups. Network Partners may be organizations specifically focused on supporting entrepreneurs and Startup businesses, or whose activities include a focus on promoting and supporting software Startups, through programs, mentoring, networking, business advice, financial assistance or similar activities.
• Startup: A new technology company or ISV (independent software vendor) actively engaged in development of a software-based product or online service that will form a core piece of the company’s business.
• Hosting Partner: A designated Network Partner who offers hosting services for "software as a service" solutions developed by BizSpark Startups.

Eligible Startups must be:

• Actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that will form a core piece of its current or intended business*. To meet this requirement the software must:
  • Add significant and primary functionality to the integrated Microsoft software.
  • Be owned, not licensed by the Startup.
• Privately held
• In business for less than 5 years^[1], and
• Bringing in less than US $1 million in annual revenue.^[2]. This requirement has been adjusted to add local variances calibrated to local economic conditions in the Startup’s place of business. If a Startup’s place of business is not listed below, then the revenue limit is US$1 million.

Microsoft may permit individual developers or others and/or separate technology entities who may not meet the standard eligibility requirements to join BizSpark from time to time.

[1] 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.
[2] 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. USD $750,000 China, USD $500,000 Korea, Malaysia, Poland, Russia, Spain, Ukraine USD $250,000 Egypt, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam

Not Eligible if you are developing:

• Dashboards, HTML editors, utilities, website and similar technologies are not considered a primary service or application.

• A Rich Internet Application (RIA) where most of the application’s functions are hosted (either by the Startup or managed hosting services). For example, an application to help make airline reservations.
• An application for a desktop or mobile phone. For example, a game.
• A combination of a) and b) above, where local function is complemented by a hosted component. For example, an application that helps a user select a local restaurant which uses a GPS to locate the user and a hosted service to locate nearby restaurants.

Yes. However, you have to provide a clear description of your software development and how that forms a core part of your business. If the core business is focused on IT service or computer repair, then you most likely won’t qualify.

No. There is no cost associated with this program.

Startups can participate in the program for three years (renewed annually), unless they go public, are acquired by a company that does not itself qualify for BizSpark or fail to abide by the program’s terms and conditions.

We receive thousands of applications from around the world every month. However, we are committed to reviewing and validating the information you provide us within 5 business days. To expedite your application, please enter as much information as possible and email to BizSpark@microsoft.com.

To enroll in the program, a startup may apply via sponsorship by designated BizSpark Network Partners or apply directly to Microsoft.

To start, the Primary Contact connects to the BizSpark Website at www.microsoft.com/bizspark and clicks "Apply Now!" The Startup Primary Contact must be signed in to Windows Live™ ID. If not, the system will prompt them to do so.

The Primary Contact is prompted to review and accept the BizSpark Startup Agreement and the BizSpark Program End User License Agreement ("EULA"). Acceptance of the Startup Agreement and EULA are required to continue the enrollment process.

Next, the Primary Contact enters information about the Startup and the individual completing the application. Once the simple enrollment process is complete, the application will be reviewed by the Network Partner or a Microsoft champ within 5 business days. If you qualify, you’ll receive a welcome e-mail that includes a unique subscription ID to activate the Microsoft software download benefits delivered via MSDN.

Microsoft BizSpark is currently offered in Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian.

BizSpark members receive access to Not-For-Resale software versions equivalent to those included in the Visual Studio Ultimate with MSDN subscription. BizSpark software is for design, development, test, and demo only. For the most up to date listing of this products click here and then go click on the Visual Studio Ultimate with MSDN tab for a representative list of products.

For Production: IT Operations Servers
To help manage software in production and deployment of Startup’s new “software as a service” offer to be delivered to customers over the Internet.

• System Center Configuration Manager 2007
• System Center Configuration Manager 2007 with SQL Server 2005 Technology
• System Center Data Protection Manager 2007
• System Center Operations Manager 2007
• System Center Operations Manager 2007 with SQL Server Technology
• System Center Data Protection Manager 2010 System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 with SQL Server 2008 Technology

For Production and Hosting Servers
For production and deployment of Startup’s new “software as a service” offer to be delivered to customers over the Internet.

• SQL Server 2012 Standard Core Edition
• SQL Server 2012 Enterprise Core Edition
• Windows Web Server 2008 R2
• Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard and Enterprise
• Windows Server 2008 Standard and Enterprise without Hyper-V
• BizTalk Server 2009 R2 Branch, Standard, and Enterprise Editions
• SharePoint Server 2010
• Dynamics CRM 4.0 Enterprise

I can’t find any of the stand-alone Office products to download. Do you not provide those any longer?

On July 16, Microsoft made some changes to the BizSpark program to help protect the integrity of the subscription from unsupported use. As part of this change we:

• Removed redundant or multiple instances of products. For instance: The full Office suite will be available for download, but not standalone Office products such as Outlook, Publisher, etc.
• Removed products that are not intended for use in an IT professional managed business environment. For instance: Windows XP Home Edition.
• Standardized the 24hr product key claim limit across all programs and benefit levels.

Please provide feedback and share other comments via BizSpark Support. If you require assistance with software evaluations as a result of these changes, please contact customer service.

What new releases have you launched through the BizSpark Program?

We are constantly updating the BizSpark program to provide startups with the latest tools to develop and test their software solution. On August 15th, we had two major software releases, Windows 8 released to manufacturing (RTM) and Visual Studio 2012 and .NET 4.5. Both are available right now through your BizSpark subscription. Just login with your Microsoft Account and go to “Download Microsoft Software (MSDN)” on your BizSpark main account page.

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Your Microsoft account is the email address you use, along with your password, to sign in to any Windows Live program or service, such as Hotmail, Messenger, or SkyDrive. You can also use it to sign in to other Microsoft services, including Xbox LIVE, Zune, and Office Live.

First, add the new member who will be the primary contact.

1. Go to Microsoft.com/BizSpark and log in with the old Microsoft account (for example) i_marinov@applss.com
2. Click on "manage" (at top left of page)
3. Click on "manage members" in left side navigation pane
4. Add the new member (for example, John Doe)
5. John Doe member will receive an email invitation, and should register with the new Microsoft account office@reptor.eu

Then, replace the primary member with the new member:

1. Go to Microsoft.com/BizSpark and log in with the old Microsoft account (for example) i_marinov@applss.com
2. Click on "manage" (at top left of page)
3. Click on "manage members" in left side navigation pane
4. Click on "Change Primary Contact" just under the current Contact name
5. Select John Doe (for example) from the pull-down list

You have to login as the Primary Account holder and make the necessary switch to another member on your account through the "manage members". If you are unable to locate the Primary Account holder or they have left the company, please connect with MSDN to make the necessary changes.

Each Primary Account (PA) holder can add up to 7 members to their company account. Once the PA logs into the account, they can go to "manage" and then, "manage members" to add more members. NOTE: each invite counts against the membership limit. If the member does not accept the invite or they are removed from the account for whatever reason, then that will still cost the account a membership slot. Please contact BizSpark@Microsoft.com to increase the number of members. We need a few days to validate your account information, and in some cases, we will set up a brief phone call to discuss as to why you need the member increase.

1. Primary must remove new member from the BizSpark account
2. Member has to log out of Microsoft account and delete all cookies
3. Primary must add new member to the BizSpark account
4. New member enrolls into the BizSpark account via the link from the invite email
5. New member goes to his MSDN account and activated the new MSDN subscription using the MSDN Subscriber ID provided via BizSpark

No. Enrollment is per startup. However, each employee in a startup who wants to download and use program software will need to accept the BizSpark end user license agreement and acknowledge agreement to startup agreement terms.

BizSpark members receive access to Not-For-Resale software versions similar to those included in the Visual Studio Ultimate with MSDN subscription. BizSpark software is for design, development, test, and demo only (Servers, Dynamics, and MSDN Windows Azure are for production). Go to Microsoft MSDN site for the most up to date listing of our software products; To access any of this software, please ensure you are signed into your BizSpark account with the appropriate Microsoft Account.

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Each startup receives four technical support incidents, managed by Microsoft. Once you connect with MSDN Support, please provide them your BizSpark Subscriber ID. They will provide this service without a charge. In addition, you have the opportunity to access technical resources, product training and business tools for your startup..

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Yes. BizSpark is available to any Startup that meets the program eligibility requirements.

Yes. However, the outsourced company has to be working specifically on a project/code for the eligible BizSpark Company. In addition, outsourced company has to be invited by the primary holder to BizSpark as a member (developer) and sign the program agreement and EULA. Once the project/coding is developed and tested, the primary account holder should delete the outsourced developer from their subscription.

You can do several things to show valid MSDN key and BizSpark account validity.

1. The keys themselves are proof that you have legitimate use of the software. So, copying and pasting those to a document can show validity of the software you are using.
2. You may use our BizSpark welcome letter, the login page, and the BizSpark agreement as proof that you are legitimate.
3. Email us at BizSpark Support if you need more proof.

You may do a quick search for the cost of the license on our Microsoft site or use our License Advisor to research the program and pricing per products. You will be able to generate a quote that you may share with your accountant, colleagues or resellers.

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BizSpark startups that complete the graduation process may continue to access MSDN and download new media until their graduation date. Media for other licenses may be purchased or downloaded from Microsoft or through development and test subscriptions such as MSDN for Visual Studio and TechNet. Media for older software versions may not be available.

Yes, BizSpark graduates that complete the graduation process, but do not renew their Visual Studio with MSDN subscription have a perpetual license to use Visual Studio Ultimate according to the license grant terms. That license includes development and test rights with Microsoft Software and use of the keys provided with BizSpark Visual Studio with MSDN subscription.

If you have been to the BizSpark site and completed the graduation process, BizSpark will provide your organization with a license grant for any production licenses for your software as a service solution and Visual Studio with MSDN subscriptions you requested at graduation. You may continue using any of the software listed on the license grant according to the use rights listed on the license grant.

If you have not been to the BizSpark site and/or not completed the graduation process, the terms of your agreement with BizSpark set forth that you will stop using any Microsoft software provided or accessed from the BizSpark program and tools as of the end of the 3 year program. If you wish to continue using any of the Microsoft software provided or accessed from the BizSpark program and tools, you will need to get licenses through a reseller.

Volume licensing of software is a cost-effective strategy to purchase licenses within a single purchasing organization. Volume Licensing also provides greater choice, better control, and easier license management.

For your server licenses: You may purchase Software Assurance for the server software listed on your license grant within 90 days of your graduation date. You may purchase Software Assurance from any reseller in your country; however, the BizSpark resellers listed on your license grant are authorized to sell licenses with the graduation pricing.

The BizSpark reseller for your area can get you pricing for Software Assurance for your server production licenses or Visual Studio with MSDN renewals. Microsoft sets pricing to the BizSpark reseller or the BizSpark reseller’s distribution partner, but Microsoft does not set your final pricing. You may find estimated reseller prices for Microsoft software licenses using the Microsoft License Advisor.

Your BizSpark reseller information should appear on your license grant, which can be found on your BizSpark account page.

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Hosting Partners are designated BizSpark Network Partners who can provide hosting services to BizSpark startups for "software as a service" 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.

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 bizspark@microsoft.com.

BizSpark Startups who wish to use a Hosting Partner to host their "software as a service" application select a Hosting Partner. Startups and Hosting Partners then work directly with each other to establish their hosting services relationship.

A BizSpark startup may choose to host with any of our Hosting BizSpark network partner, host themselves, or sign up for our limited Azure offer.
Startup may not host the Licensed Products in any fashion other than self-host or using a Hosting Partner (e.g. hosting the Licensed Products on site at a Customer’s location is prohibited).

No. However, you may choose to apply via an approved BizSpark Hoster Network Partner (choose one while applying to the program). Once you are enrolled into the program, the hoster will be able to support you immediately.

BizSpark Hosting Partners are designated Network Partners who can provide hosting services for "software as a service" solutions developed by BizSpark Startups. Startups that intend to deploy a product on the Internet within 12 months of enrollment are encouraged to engage a Hosting Partner to assist them in hosting their application on the internet. Hosting Partners can offer a wide range of unmanaged to fully managed solutions.

If the Startup is still in product development, it may be most cost-effective to engage a Hosting Partner who offers inexpensive, unmanaged server accounts that allows a Startup to deploy one or more small servers they can configure and manage themselves. If the Startup's application is headed toward production, the Startup should consider a full-service hosting partnership. A full-service partner will work with the Startup to deploy and run securely at scale, and will give the Startup a performance "service level agreement" for their application.

Many Hosting Partners specialize in helping Startups take their application(s) to the next step of "Software as a Service" readiness, incorporating automated user provisioning, automated usage metering and even automated billing services if the Startup needs them. A Hosting Partner may operate in specific geographies, and may have special qualifications such as enhanced security certifications. It is important for the Startup to choose a hosting partner that meets their specific needs.

To learn more about hosters or to designate who will be your hosting partner, please click thru the link from your Startup account home page to the Manage Hoster Relationship page. 

The new and enhanced BizSpark MSDN subscription benefit provides developers with an equivalent of two virtual servers that you can use to evaluate your application resource requirements. In a 31 day month there are 744 hours so you would receive an equivalent of two virtual servers with 1.6 GHz CPU, 1.75 GB of memory, 15 GB of storage capable of moderate IO performance. The details of the exact subscription benefits can be found at BizSpark Azure.

To help you "get into the cloud", BizSpark subscribers are eligible for the entire term of their BizSpark membership for a monthly amount of certain cloud computing resources through their MSDN subscription benefits as described below at no additional charge from the Windows Azure Platform.

Hosting with one of our partners is a benefit provided to the startup for your convenience. Once you exit the BizSpark program, you will be responsible for any additional service that the hoster may incur. Please review the hosting benefit package with your specific 3rd party hoster to ensure smooth transition from BizSpark.

Not directly. A BizSpark startup will have to validate their subscription to the hoster before a hoster can host the licenses. If a startup applied to BizSpark through an approved BizSpark hoster, this validation process is seamless.

Approved BizSpark hosters already have an agreement with Microsoft that ensures quality compliance and usage. We do not recommend using hosters outside of the BizSpark network. However, we do not bill you for any software/license usage.

Unfortunately, we cannot recommend a specific hoster. Many hosters may offer discounted or packaged benefits throughout the year to BizSpark startups. Please check our network partner hosters and review their benefits packages carefully prior to signing up.

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BizSpark Network Partners are community organizations engaged with high-potential, early stage startups. They are specifically focused on supporting software entrepreneurs and startups.

Their activities include a focus on promoting and supporting software Startups through programs, mentoring, networking, business advice, or financial and legal assistance.

If you are interested in becoming a Network Partner, please contact bizspark@microsoft.com

Microsoft wants to create a strong partnership with the entrepreneurial community, and we expect most startups to be associated with, and therefore recruited by, BizSpark Network Partners. In situations where BizSpark Network Partner availability is limited, Microsoft may work directly with startups to enroll them.

There are no costs or fees associated with being a Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner. Network Partners must simply agree to program terms and conditions.

BizSpark is designed to unite a global community of peers, technical resources, and entrepreneurial mentors who can effectively address the unique business development challenges that Startups face. BizSpark directly connects Startups with a community of economic and entrepreneurial development organizations, or Network Partners, who fully understand the startup environment and what it takes to go big quickly. These advisors – Network Partners - specialize in promoting and supporting Startups provide through programs, business mentoring, networking, financial assistance, peer connections, and other resources that drive Startup success.

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The Windows Azure $60K Offer helps cover a startup’s cloud computing costs by providing up to $60K worth of Windows Azure over two years:

• 100% of Windows Azure usage for the first year
• 50% off Windows Azure retail for the second year

Through this offer, every dollar startups save on their cloud computing costs means more money for them to spend elsewhere for hiring developers, investing in marketing, acquiring new customers, etc.

The Windows Azure $60K Offer is available to startups who are members or alumni of an Accelerator Program.

Most Accelerators and Incubators who specialize in identifying and supporting early-stage startup companies and have an established track record of providing high-value, high-quality support to exceptional startups can qualify. Accelerators and Incubators can contact bzsplus@microsoft.com to learn how to make the Windows Azure $60K Offer available to startups in their program.

The startup must be:

• A member or alumni of an Accelerator Program
• Developing Software
• Less than five years old
• Privately Held
• Making less than US $1M annually

Startups must be a member of or join the BizSpark Program to get the Windows Azure $60K Offer.

Startups who are members or alumni of an Accelerator Program can contact their Accelerator to get a nomination for the offer. Other Startups who are interested in joining an Accelerator Program can search the BizSpark Map to find a list of local Accelerators.

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