Microsoft launches WebsiteSpark in India

• 700+ web companies already registered for the program
• TiE, IAMAI, NASSCOM sign up as network partners; Netmagic,  Net 4  as hosters

Taking forward the commitment towards building a strong Web ecosystem and fostering innovation around web, Microsoft India yesterday launched the WebsiteSpark program, an initiative designed to create a partner network and drive business growth for professional web development and design companies. Combined with the release of the Web Platform Installer 2.0 and the Windows Web Application Gallery 2.0, the initiatives make it easier for Web professionals & Organizations to build richer, more compelling Web experiences. The program is supported by Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), National Association of Software and Services Company (NASSCOM) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) as the network partners; and Netmagic and Net 4, as the hosters.

As the latest initiative in the ‘Spark’ family of programs, including BizSpark and DreamSpark, Microsoft is building upon a legacy of working with key communities and providing the additional support, tools and resources needed in order to help them thrive.  The WebsiteSpark Program provides Web professionals with Microsoft software and solutions, together with related tools, training and support, to help their businesses succeed. The WebsiteSpark Program also helps drive new business opportunities by connecting Web professionals and hosters with an ecosystem of customers, partners and other professionals with complementary technologies.

Companies/developers signing up for WebsiteSpark Program will have access to:

• Microsoft Web design and development software and solutions, including three licenses to Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition, two licenses to  Microsoft Expression Web 3, and one license of Microsoft Expression Studio 3
• Four processor licenses for production usage to Windows Web Server 2008 or R2 (when available) and four processor licenses for production usage to Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Web Edition
• A third-party premium Website control panel (DotNetPanel)

Participating companies/developers will also be facilitated with professional support and training:

• Two technical support incidents per company
• Access to community support through connections with Network Partners, Hosting Partners and peers with complementary services and technologies
• Unlimited access to technical managed newsgroups on MSDN
• Unlimited program support for non-technical issues

In addition to software, solutions, training and support, the WebsiteSpark program will extend the reach of participating companies by featuring their offerings in a WebsiteSpark marketplace, supported by Microsoft marketing vehicles. Further, the program will provide an impactful partner ecosystem to support Web professionals’ success. The partnership with Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), National Association of Software and Services Company (NASSCOM) and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) will help jump-start web professionals’ development projects.