I was reading one of my daily idea generators from a social media blog called Mashable, and between some of the great stories it includes I found an advertisement for something called BizSpark.

I’m not sure why, but I clicked through to see what it was and found an absolutely fantastic new service from Microsoft  . . . of all people.

Part of a larger Start Up Support program from Microsoft, BizSpark, provides FREE software development software to startups and businesses that earn less than $1 Million a year.

You can get all of this software for free:

All the software included in the Microsoft® Visual Studio® Team System

Visual Studio Team System is Included!

Team Suite (VSTS) with MSDN® Premium subscription

Expression® Studio Version 2

VSTS Team Foundation Server (standard edition)

Production use rights to host a “software as a service” solution (developed during participation in the BizSpark Program, on any platform) over the Internet, with regard to the latest versions of Microsoft products including:

• Microsoft Windows Server® (all editions up to and including Enterprise)
• Microsoft SQL Server® (all editions)
• Microsoft Office SharePoint® Portal Server
• Microsoft System Center
• Microsoft BizTalk® Server
• Microsoft Dynamics® CRM (coming soon)

In addition to the core program offering, BizSpark startups will be eligible for other Microsoft offerings, such as:

• Microsoft Azure™ Services Platform

This new program gives startup businesses access to the software they need to build their business.  Talk about a Business Stimulus Plan!

It it amazing what you can find on the web.  Perhaps not as alluring as a photo of Amanda Peet, but is she giving away software? 

Sure she's cute, but can she program?

No she is not!