If you are an interested in starting an open source project, Microsoft provides a number of programs and initiatives to help you achieve your goals.

Microsoft offers a number of partner benefits to help open source-based businesses develop and sell more effectively. To get started, sign-up as a registered member of the Microsoft Partner Program to receive free sales, marketing, and technical resources. If you are interested in live events, stay tuned to the NXT program for an updated list of Open Source ISV Forum events later in the year. Additional options and opportunities are also highlighted on Port 25—the open source community at Microsoft.

Microsoft recognizes the roles open source development and business models play in the modern software ecosystem. That's why Microsoft participates with the community to identify and more fully understand how to best grow together. Microsoft offers a number of partnership opportunities for open source academics and researchers to help achieve their research goals, including the Microsoft Innovation Centers, the Windows Academic Program, and the Microsoft Research Internship program. To start exploring those opportunities, send us an e-mail at osshelp@microsoft.com.

Through the Shared Source Initiative, Microsoft is sharing source code with customers, partners, and governments worldwide. The Shared Source Programs encompass the spectrum of programs and licenses offered by Microsoft to various communities of customers, partners, developers, and other interested individuals.

For all other OSS-related inquiries, please contact osshelp@microsoft.com.