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| WebsiteSpark |
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| FAQ on WebsiteSpark |
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WebSiteSpark provides access to a technology offering for development and production hosting of websites. Once enrolled, you can download the following software from Microsoft:
- For design, development, testing and demonstration of new websites – for a total of up to three users per Web design and development company:
- Visual Studio Professional
- Expression Studio 3 (1 user) and Expression Web 3 (up to 2 users)
- Windows Web Server 2008 R2
- SQL Server 2008 Web Edition
- For production use – that is, to deploy and host new websites developed using Program software – using a total of up to four processors per Web design and development company, of the following (physical or virtual) dedicated servers:
- Windows Web Server 2008 R2
- SQL Server 2008 Web Edition
- Get Business Opportunities: Get opportunities to expand your customer base and drive new business through showcasing your capabilities and connecting with partners, by featuring your talents in Microsoft marketing and business networking vehicles.
- Get Support and Training - benefits include:
- 2 professional support incidents
- Free online training Managed newsgroups on MSDN (a community of over six million developers) and other Microsoft online properties
- Access to broad community support through connections with Network Partners, Hosting Partners and peers with complementary services and technologies
Do You Qualify?
- Professional firms whose primary business is providing Web development and design services for their customers.
- Web Pro firms must have 10 or less members (including owners, employees, and contractors).
In addition, Web Pros must be willing to:
- Develop and deploy at least one new Web site using Microsoft tools and servers within six months after enrollment, and report it and other new sites to Microsoft.
- If not already a member, enroll in the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN, formerly known as the Microsoft Partner Program) as part of program participation.
Notes:
- Enrollment is free, just pay a USD $100 program offering fee at program exit.
Microsoft® WebsiteSpark™ ignites success in the Web business by helping Web Pros to drive new business opportunities through connections with partners and customers around the world. WebsiteSpark also provides Web Pros with Microsoft software and solutions, as well as support and training opportunities. By participating in WebsiteSpark, Network Partners, including Hosting Partners, gain exposure as a Microsoft partner and join an ecosystem that includes not only Web development and design companies but also their customers.
WebsiteSpark can help you to drive new business opportunities and expand your customer base. You benefit from co-marketing activities to drive demand toward your portfolio of Web solutions. Then you can extend your reach by exposing your services to the broad set of Microsoft customers and partners.
You also can benefit from professional support and training from Microsoft engineers, Hosting Partners, Network Partners, and peers from around the world. You receive free online training, trainer mentoring, and webinars.
As a participant in WebsiteSpark, you get discounts on software and solutions to bring to market your sites and applications based on the Microsoft Windows® Web platform. You receive fast, easy, and immediate access to current Microsoft development tools, Web platform technologies, and production licenses of server products. This can help you to improve your development and design productivity.
To join the program, you need a nomination from a WebsiteSpark Hosting Partner, Network Partner, or Microsoft Champ. Don’t have a nomination? No problem—visit our Hosting Partner directory to find one who can help you build your Web development business.
Microsoft® WebsiteSpark™ - Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs for WebsiteSpark
What is Microsoft® WebsiteSpark program?
What is the enrollment process for Web Pros?
How does this program help to drive new business opportunities for each audience?
What differentiating value does this program create for business?
My company is already a BizSpark member. Can we enroll in WebsiteSpark as well? ?
How does WebsiteSpark define “Web Pros”?
Who is eligible for WebsiteSpark?
What are the WebsiteSpark offers to Web Pros?
Why are the software downloads different for the Primary Contact and Secondary Contacts?
What technology resources are included in this program?
What types of companies can benefit from WebsiteSpark?
How much does it cost to join WebsiteSpark?
How can my company access the program software?
What if my company already has a licensed copy of the software that WebsiteSpark offers?
What will happen after three years of participation in WebsiteSpark?
WHow does WebsiteSpark provide cutting-edge support and training?
How does WebsiteSpark help companies to quickly develop differentiated Web sites?
Are there any tax consequences to program benefits, such as downloading and using the program software?
What is Microsoft® WebsiteSpark program?
Microsoft® WebsiteSpark™ is designed—in the same vein as Microsoft BizSpark™—to jumpstart business development for small professional Web development and design companies (referred to as “Web Pros”) interested in adding proficiency on the Microsoft platform to their business credentials. The program helps Web Pros drive new business opportunities through increased visibility and connections with partners (including Web Hosters) and customers around the world; WebsiteSpark also provides Web Pros with Microsoft tools and hosting solutions, as well as support and training.What is the enrollment process for Web Pros?
Several groups take part in the enrollment process:
Web Pros
Web Pros enroll in the program through the WebsiteSpark Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/web/websitespark. A valid approval code from a Microsoft Champ, Network Partner, or Hosting Partner is required for registration. Under normal circumstances, this approval code will be received in an automated e-mail message. If an approval code is not available, the company’s Primary Contact can select a Hosting Partner and request a code by using the “Find a Hosting Partner” tool on the WebsiteSpark Web site.- Once connected to http://www.microsoft.com/web/websitespark, the Primary Contact should click on “Find a Hosting Partner.”
- Next, the Primary Contact applies desired filters:
- The Primary Contact selects a country/region from the drop-down list box. The system populates the page with Hosting Partners that satisfy the filter criteria.
- If desired, the Primary Contact can refine the list by filtering state/province for the selected country/region.
- The system sends notification about the company’s pending approval to the selected Hosting Partner or Champ.
- Once connected to http://www.microsoft.com/web/websitespark, the Primary Contact should review the eligibility requirements and check the appropriate box. When ready, the Primary Contact clicks “Join WebsiteSpark” to continue the enrollment process.
- The Primary Contact is prompted to review and accept the WebsiteSpark Web Pro Agreement and the WebsiteSpark Program License Terms. The acceptance of both agreements is required to continue the enrollment process.
- Next, the Primary Contact enters information about the company and the individual completing the enrollment application.
- The final step in the enrollment process is to enter an approval code provided by a Network Partner or a Champ if a Network Partner was not available. If a valid approval code is entered, the enrollment is complete and the company is approved in WebsiteSpark.
- Once the enrollment process is complete and the company is approved, the company’s Primary Contact will receive a "Welcome to the Microsoft WebsiteSpark Program" e-mail that includes next steps for getting started.
Hosting Partners
Similar to Network Partners, Hosting Partners nominate Web Pros for WebsiteSpark membership. Hosting Partners can have an existing relationship with potential members, but this is not required. Hosting Partners also will be listed in a directory for those Web Pros who do not have a previous nomination. A designated contact for the Hosting Partner will receive a request for a nomination, and that contact will choose whether to grant the nomination. The target Hosting Partner is a managed Communications Sector Hoster with a focus on small and medium business customers. Each Hosting Partner must sign a Service Provider Licensing Agreement (SPLA) amendment that gives Web Pros enrolled in WebsiteSpark the right to provide hosting. Under WebsiteSpark, Hosting Partners incur no charges for the Microsoft licenses consumed by Web Pros. Hosting Partners must pass this cost savings to Web Pros in the form of a discounted hosting price.How does this program help to drive new business opportunities for each audience?
Web Pros can expand their customer base and drive new business by connecting with an ecosystem of customers, partners, and other Web Pros with complementary technologies. They can benefit from Microsoft marketing and business networking vehicles to showcase and drive demand toward their Web services and solutions. Hosting Partners provide the hosting infrastructure for Web sites built by Web Pros. Hosting Partners can increase touch points and grow their customer base by gaining exposure as a Microsoft partner and participating in an ecosystem that includes not only Web Pros but also their customers. Network Partners sponsor Web Pros for WebsiteSpark and provide business and technical services and guidance to support them. Network Partners can become a valued business partner by contributing to Web Pros’ success. Network Partners also can grow their customer/audience base by gaining exposure as a Microsoft partner and participating in an ecosystem that includes not only Web Pros but also their customers.What differentiating value does this program create for business?
WebsiteSpark provides a thriving business and technical climate to build Web sites. WebsiteSpark achieves this by focusing on business development programs. Tools and technologies to build sites and applications, as well as support and training programs, help to ensure adoption and success. By participating in WebsiteSpark, Network Partners and Hosting Partners gain exposure as a Microsoft partner and join an ecosystem that includes not only Web development and design companies but also their customers. With this exposure and geometric progression of touch points, WebsiteSpark Network Partners and Hosting Partners can extend their reach and grow their business and customer base.My company is already a BizSpark member. Can we enroll in WebsiteSpark as well?
Existing BizSpark startups are not eligible for membership in WebsiteSpark as Web Pros, as BizSpark is for startup companies with a specific technology need while WebsiteSpark is for professional services firms. However, existing BizSpark Hosting Partners are encouraged to sign on as WebsiteSpark Hosting Partners.How does WebsiteSpark define “Web Pros”?
“Web Pros” are small professional Web development and design companies, Web-based Value-Added Providers (VAPs), and IT generalists who have Web competencies.Who is eligible for WebsiteSpark?
Program qualifications for Web Pros are as follows: Professional firms whose primary business is providing Web development and design services for their customers. Web Pro firms must have 10 or less members (including owners, employees, and contractors). In addition, Web Pros must be willing to: Develop and deploy at least one new Web site using Microsoft tools and servers within six months after enrollment, and report it and other new sites to Microsoft. If not already a member, enroll in the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN, formerly known as the Microsoft Partner Program) as part of program participation.What are the WebsiteSpark offers to Web Pros?
WebsiteSpark provides the following benefits to Web Pros: Opportunities to drive new business and expand their customer base with the following: WebsiteSpark Marketplace (powered by Pinpoint and available starting November 20, 2009). A site where Web Pros can: Be found by customers Build a Web presence and showcase their capabilities Simplify the process to connect with qualified customers Partner Recruiting Portal. A resource on the MPN site for finding and recruiting partners with complementary skills. Web App Gallery. A resource that provides instant access to the most popular community Web applications available. Web Pros can browse the gallery to find off-the-shelf Web applications and solutions to make their business more successful. They can choose with confidence, knowing that community applications are tested to work with the Microsoft Web platform and will work straight out of the box. The Windows Web application enables Web Pros, with just a few clicks, to install the most popular community Web applications directly into their Web site. Web Pros can reach more customers by submitting and showcasing their own work through the Web App Gallery. Opportunities for support and training: Receive professional support from Microsoft and get connected to WebsiteSpark Network Partners, Hosting Partners, and other Web developers and designers with complementary technologies or business models—an entire ecosystem that can provide a wide range of technical and business resources for every Web professional need. Benefits include: Two professional support incidents per program membership Free online training Managed newsgroups on MSDN (a community of over six million developers) and/or other Microsoft online properties Access to broad community support through connections with Network Partners, Hosting Partners, and peers with complementary services and technologies Fast, easy, and immediate access to Microsoft Web design and development software and solutions: Design Tools/Development Tools/Testing Tools. Each Web Pro firm will be entitled to : Visual Studio® 2008 Professional Edition – 3 user licenses Expression® Studio 2 (or 3) – 1 user license, available only to the Primary Contact for the Web Pro Expression® Web 2 (or 3) – 2 user licenses Windows Web Server® 2008 (or Windows Web Server 2008 R2 when available) – 3 user licenses SQL Server® 2008 Web – 3 user licenses Production and Deployment. If self-hosting, each Web Pro firm will be entitled to four processor production licenses each (requires enrollment in SPLA Essentials): Windows Web Server® 2008 (or Windows Web Server 2008 R2, when available) SQL Server® 2008 Web Web Pro firms may also qualify for special offers from Microsoft or others, including complementary third-party technologies such as: DotNetPanel control panel—A premium control panel from SMB SAAS Systems, Inc., so that Web Pros can effectively control Web site hosting parametersWhy are the software downloads different for the Primary Contact and Secondary Contacts?
The only difference in available software is that the Web Pro’s Primary Contact will have access to Expression® Studio on the WebsiteSpark portal, while the Secondary Contacts will have access to Expression® Web from MSDN (through a special hyperlink from the WebsiteSpark portal). This reflects typical use of Expression in most Web design firms.What technology resources are included in this program?
WebsiteSpark includes the following resources for more information:
WebsiteSpark
The main Web page for the program is found at http://www.microsoft.com/web/websitespark/. This portal provides special access to all program benefits, including software.
Microsoft Partner Network (formerly known as Microsoft Partner Program or MSPP)
The MPN is the primary relationship management program for doing business with Microsoft and its products. The program provides sales and marketing assistance, expertise to improve competencies and innovation, and communities to enhance relationships and collaboration. For more information, visit http://partner.microsoft.com.
Microsoft Web Platform
Whether you are looking to create your company’s global Web presence, building applications for your small business, launching a new Web site, or just getting started on the Web, Microsoft has the solutions for you—trusted by the Fortune 500 and used by millions of individuals. For more information, visit http://www.microsoft.com/web.
ASP.NET
Microsoft and the ASP.NET developer community provide many support options for various questions, each answered in a tutorial, video, or other resource and outlined in a step-by-step approach. For more information, visit http://www.asp.net/.
IIS.NET
This resource provides detailed help via questions placed in communities and forums for various categories, such as general, security, publishing, configuration, setup, and migration. For more information, visit http://www.iis.net/..What types of companies can benefit from WebsiteSpark?
WebsiteSpark benefits Web Pros who want to get more out of the Microsoft Web platform, have 10 or less members (including owners, employees, and contractors), and are actively building new Web sites for their customers. WebsiteSpark provides business development programs, tools, and technologies to build sites and applications, as well as support and training programs to help ensure adoption and success.How much does it cost to join WebsiteSpark?
There is no upfront cost for Web Pros to join WebsiteSpark or receive its benefits; a Program Offering Fee (USD 100) is required when the Web Pro exits the program.How can my company access the program software?
In order to access the software, Web Pros can connect to the MSDN Web site through a link after logging in to the WebsiteSpark site. Software is distributed via the Download Software and License Keys area on the MSDN Web site.What if my company already has a licensed copy of the software that WebsiteSpark offers?
Licenses obtained under the WebsiteSpark program are for new installations only.What will happen after three years of participation in WebsiteSpark?
Microsoft intends WebsiteSpark to inspire success in the Web business. Once a company starts participating in the Microsoft community, it will find wide avenues of support with MSDN and MPN. For discounted production software granted under the terms of the program, the licenses are carried under a modified version of SPLA. For Web Pros who self-host, at the end of program participation, the discounts expire and licenses that continue to be used are billed at then-prevailing SPLA rates. For Web Pros using hosted servers at a Hosting Partner, the discounted fees granted to the Hosting Partner will expire, but the terms and pricing of the hosting services are between the Hosting Partner and former Web Pros. Development software granted under the terms of the program may be retained after program participation ends.How does WebsiteSpark provide cutting-edge support and training?
Web Pros get dedicated support from Microsoft engineers and Network Partners around the world—companies that focus on supporting small Web businesses and can provide a wide range of resources. Web Pros also will receive free online training, managed newsgroups, and access to the MSDN developer community and resources. Also, Network Partners provide technical and business support and guidance to Web Pros, helping them to build Web business with their expertise and offerings. Network Partners can build a relationship as Web Pros’ valued business partner by contributing to their success.How does WebsiteSpark help companies to quickly develop differentiated Web sites?
Web Pros receive fast, easy, and immediate access to current full-featured Microsoft development tools and Web server hosting licenses to develop and bring to market differentiated, innovative, and rich Internet sites and applications. Web Pros can improve their productivity through cost-effective hosting solutions for their new Web sites. In addition, there is no upfront cost to enroll.Are there any tax consequences to program benefits, such as downloading and using the program software?
Tax rules vary and are dependent on many factors, including business structure and geography. You should consult with your tax advisors to determine the applicable consequences of receiving any program benefits, including downloading and using the program software.What will happen after three years of participation in WebsiteSpark?
Microsoft intends WebsiteSpark to inspire success in the Web business. Once a company starts participating in the Microsoft community, it will find wide avenues of support with MSDN and MPN. For discounted production software granted under the terms of the program, the licenses are carried under a modified version of SPLA. For Web Pros who self-host, at the end of program participation, the discounts expire and licenses that continue to be used are billed at then-prevailing SPLA rates. For Web Pros using hosted servers at a Hosting Partner, the discounted fees granted to the Hosting Partner will expire, but the terms and pricing of the hosting services are between the Hosting Partner and former Web Pros. Development software granted under the terms of the program may be retained after program participation ends.How does WebsiteSpark provide cutting-edge support and training?
Web Pros get dedicated support from Microsoft engineers and Network Partners around the world—companies that focus on supporting small Web businesses and can provide a wide range of resources. Web Pros also will receive free online training, managed newsgroups, and access to the MSDN developer community and resources. Also, Network Partners provide technical and business support and guidance to Web Pros, helping them to build Web business with their expertise and offerings. Network Partners can build a relationship as Web Pros’ valued business partner by contributing to their success.How does WebsiteSpark help companies to quickly develop differentiated Web sites?
Web Pros receive fast, easy, and immediate access to current full-featured Microsoft development tools and Web server hosting licenses to develop and bring to market differentiated, innovative, and rich Internet sites and applications. Web Pros can improve their productivity through cost-effective hosting solutions for their new Web sites. In addition, there is no upfront cost to enroll.Are there any tax consequences to program benefits, such as downloading and using the program software?
Tax rules vary and are dependent on many factors, including business structure and geography. You should consult with your tax advisors to determine the applicable consequences of receiving any program benefits, including downloading and using the program software.What will happen after three years of participation in WebsiteSpark?
Microsoft intends WebsiteSpark to inspire success in the Web business. Once a company starts participating in the Microsoft community, it will find wide avenues of support with MSDN and MPN. For discounted production software granted under the terms of the program, the licenses are carried under a modified version of SPLA. For Web Pros who self-host, at the end of program participation, the discounts expire and licenses that continue to be used are billed at then-prevailing SPLA rates. For Web Pros using hosted servers at a Hosting Partner, the discounted fees granted to the Hosting Partner will expire, but the terms and pricing of the hosting services are between the Hosting Partner and former Web Pros. Development software granted under the terms of the program may be retained after program participation ends.How does WebsiteSpark provide cutting-edge support and training?
Web Pros get dedicated support from Microsoft engineers and Network Partners around the world—companies that focus on supporting small Web businesses and can provide a wide range of resources. Web Pros also will receive free online training, managed newsgroups, and access to the MSDN developer community and resources. Also, Network Partners provide technical and business support and guidance to Web Pros, helping them to build Web business with their expertise and offerings. Network Partners can build a relationship as Web Pros’ valued business partner by contributing to their success.How does WebsiteSpark help companies to quickly develop differentiated Web sites?
Web Pros receive fast, easy, and immediate access to current full-featured Microsoft development tools and Web server hosting licenses to develop and bring to market differentiated, innovative, and rich Internet sites and applications. Web Pros can improve their productivity through cost-effective hosting solutions for their new Web sites. In addition, there is no upfront cost to enroll.Are there any tax consequences to program benefits, such as downloading and using the program software?
Tax rules vary and are dependent on many factors, including business structure and geography. You should consult with your tax advisors to determine the applicable consequences of receiving any program benefits, including downloading and using the program software.What will happen after three years of participation in WebsiteSpark?
Microsoft intends WebsiteSpark to inspire success in the Web business. Once a company starts participating in the Microsoft community, it will find wide avenues of support with MSDN and MPN. For discounted production software granted under the terms of the program, the licenses are carried under a modified version of SPLA. For Web Pros who self-host, at the end of program participation, the discounts expire and licenses that continue to be used are billed at then-prevailing SPLA rates. For Web Pros using hosted servers at a Hosting Partner, the discounted fees granted to the Hosting Partner will expire, but the terms and pricing of the hosting services are between the Hosting Partner and former Web Pros. Development software granted under the terms of the program may be retained after program participation ends.How does WebsiteSpark provide cutting-edge support and training?
Web Pros get dedicated support from Microsoft engineers and Network Partners around the world—companies that focus on supporting small Web businesses and can provide a wide range of resources. Web Pros also will receive free online training, managed newsgroups, and access to the MSDN developer community and resources. Also, Network Partners provide technical and business support and guidance to Web Pros, helping them to build Web business with their expertise and offerings. Network Partners can build a relationship as Web Pros’ valued business partner by contributing to their success.How does WebsiteSpark help companies to quickly develop differentiated Web sites?
Web Pros receive fast, easy, and immediate access to current full-featured Microsoft development tools and Web server hosting licenses to develop and bring to market differentiated, innovative, and rich Internet sites and applications. Web Pros can improve their productivity through cost-effective hosting solutions for their new Web sites. In addition, there is no upfront cost to enroll.Are there any tax consequences to program benefits, such as downloading and using the program software?
Tax rules vary and are dependent on many factors, including business structure and geography. You should consult with your tax advisors to determine the applicable consequences of receiving any program benefits, including downloading and using the program software.
Here's the form to sign up a WebsiteSpark enabled solution.
