The DreamSpark program has grown up and spawned a new sibling – BizSpark.

Today we announced the BizSpark program. BizSpark is an offer to early-stage software startups to leverage the Microsoft platform in delivering their software applications and services to the masses. As a software startup, joining the BizSpark program will give you access to…

• Software:  fast and easy access to Microsoft’s current full-featured development tools, platform technologies, and production licenses of server products for immediate use in developing and bringing to market innovative and interoperable solutions with no upfront costs and minimal requirements
• Support:  professional technical support from Microsoft (MSDN) and community support from BizSpark “Network Partners” around the world who provide a wide range of support resources for software startups (e.g., entrepreneur incubators, associations, & investors)
• Visibility:  global visibility to an audience of potential investors, clients, and partners.  Startups will have the opportunity to complete a profile in the online Startup directory (BizSparkDB) which highlights promising companies, including the “BizSpark Startup of the Day”

This is a huge investment on Microsoft’s part and a great opportunity for your success. As such, there are some general criteria you should fall under to be included in this opportunity. They include:

• A private company building a software-based product or service (not intended for consultants/SIs or customers/enterprises)
• In business for less than 3 years
• Less than $1M in revenue
• Nominated by a Network Partner (referrals are also facilitated by the BizSpark portal)

As we’re talking Startups here, let me point out a great resource for all startups and investors out there that serves as guide to working with Microsoft, the Startup Zone. The Startup Zone includes a number of blogs from members of the Microsoft Startup team, articles and resources addressing the startup’s needs as well as an event calendar where you, as a startup, can meet members of the team at upcoming events.

Microsoft believes in the innovation that startups bring to the industry. Without them, there would be no future. BizSpark is a step to help that future come to reality.