Microsoft is giving free software to startups around the world to encourage them to develop products that span the Web, PCs and phones, the company said today.
The program, called BizSpark, is expected to make it easier for Microsoft to compete against Google and other Web rivals with its nascent cloud computing strategy, which was announced last week, and also make it easier for startups to work with Microsoft.
“I think it’s terrific and something that’s sorely needed,” said Pascal Levensohn, founder of Levensohn Venture Partners in San Francisco. “They’re seeding an entire new ecosystem by casting their net very widely to harness innovation.”
Through BizSpark, Microsoft will offer free software development tools, technical support, marketing and discounted hosting for three years to qualified startups in more than 80 countries, said Corporate Vice President Dan’l Lewin, who designed the program.
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