For a Sparkling Business

Microsoft BizSpark is a global program designed to accelerate the success of
entrepreneurs by providing them software support and a vibrant ecosystem in the
country.

BizSpark is part of global commitment of Microsoft to foster innovation and
create a viable environment for startups to bring forth their idea, technology,
innovation and business, says Moorthy Uppaluri, general manager, DPE Microsoft
India.

The main benefit of the program is that it helps startups to receive
resources and support from a global network of innumerable organizations,
economic development agencies, and investors like TiE, NEN, Proto, Nasscom and
venture capitalist, IDG. Moreover, the convergence of stakeholders will also
enable a vibrant ecosystem in India, especially because financial support and
visibility are the major challenges for startups.

Innovation is the most important thing that the Indian IT industry requires
at this point of time. This program gives a connecting link among various
stakeholders and this will encourage collaboration for transformation of ideas
into business outcome, explains Rajdeep Sahrawat, vice president, Nasscom.

How it Works

Any ISV who needs developer tools to build software or products and startups
with little investment, cannot afford the licensing fee for software and other
expenses. As a part of the program, companies will be provided necessary support
in three ways, namely technical support, architectural support for development,
and support for mentorship or networking support. All these will be initially
available free of cost.

The suite of software comes at no cost and startups can easily seek advice
from the industrial body. Microsoft BizSpark provides budding entrepreneurs with
the tools and connections they need to build a successful businesses, says
Sheila Gulati, general manager, Microsoft Corporation.

Sudhir Sethi, chairman and managing director, IDG ventures says, We are
excited to be the first venture capital fund to partner with Microsoft for the
BizSpark program.

Microsoft will provide a broad set of technologies that startups of any size
can use to build, test, and deploy their software applications along with
programs and products, adds Uppaluri.

The range includes design tools, development test and demonstration,
production, and hosting. Companies can sign up for the program, use the services
for three years, and after that exit by paying a nominal amount of $100.

For startups like ours, funds are very critical. With such an initiative, we
are able to access cutting-edge software and servers at no cost during our
incubation period, says Prasad, CTO of Bangalore-based JustOnDemand
Technologies. This gives us enough lead time to build the business, take it to
market without hurdles like license costs. It will also help in raising revenue,
getting visibility for our products, and raising funds for going to the next
level, he says.

Startups normally use open source software for the development of software
and products. But it will be a cumbersome task for companies to move out of the
Microsoft platform, and theyll have to face a huge financial burden to migrate
to other domains.

We are not to combat the open source community. The security and total cost
of ownership of the open source software is high. It is very difficult for
companies to use open source and scale up operations. As for BizSpark, companies
can easily move out of the program by just paying $100, says Uppaluri.

More than seventy-five startups in India have already signed up for the
program. The number of Indian startups and entrepreneurs are growing in a large
number. They are tapping all means to excel in their respective fields, and
BizSpark is a way towards success.

Pradeesh Chandran

dqindia@cybermedia.co.in