I Can't Believe it, Free Software From Microsoft -WebsiteSpark
Apr
18
Written by:
2011/04/18 09:17 AM
Microsoft has a great program designed to help professional Web developers and designers. It is called WebsiteSpark, and it offers Web developers and web designers Free Software to aid in the success of their business.
WebsiteSpark enables you to get software, support and business resources from Microsoft at no cost for three years.
What does WebsiteSpark Provide?
WebSiteSpark provides software licenses that you can use for three years at no cost. Once enrolled, you can download and immediately use the following software from Microsoft:
- 3 licenses of Visual Studio Professional
- Expression Studio (1 user)
- Expression Web (up to 2 users)
- 4 processor licenses Windows Web Server 2008 R2
- 4 processor licenses SQL Server 2008 Web Edition
- DotNetPanel control panel (enabling easy remote/hosted management of your servers)
WebsiteSpark also makes it easy to find hosters who are also enrolled in the program, and who can use your licenses to provide you with either dedicated or virtual dedicated servers to host your sites on.
Then there is the software support and business program. Where you can find partner opportunities to grow and build your business (including customer referrals through the WebsiteSpark partner programs).
That's not all, WebsiteSpark also includes product support (including 2 professional support incidents) and free online training for the products.
Then add some free and open source web apps to get you started. Like:
Read my blog posts on these:
Who can Join WebsiteSpark?
WebSiteSpark is available to independent web developers and small web development companies. The only two requirements to join the program are:
- Your company builds web sites and web applications on behalf of others.
- Your company currently has less than 10 employees.
If you meet these requirements you can visit the WebsiteSpark website and sign-up today.
It is not Open source
So many people have commented that this is Microsoft's effort to break into the free and open source market.
But that is just not true. After the initial Three year period, you have to pay a $100 dollar fee. You also have opportunity to purchase all of the software in the WebsiteSpark program via a $999/year.
This is not an open source program, it’s more of a building program. It gives Web developers and designers like myself the opportunity to build a business without the worry and complications of buying and licensing the crucial software that I need.
Don’t forget the other opportunities
Microsoft also offer other great opportunities:
If you are a startup or a budding student be sure to check out these sites, join up and get developing.
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