Microsoft has announced it will be offering $120,000/year of free Azure cloud services to qualified startups around the world through its BizSpark Plus program. The offer expands Microsoft’s existing BizSpark Plus program, which until this July only offered $60,000/year worth of free cloud services to its members.
Beginning July 1, qualifying companies will receive $10,000 worth of Azure credits each month or a total amount of $120,000 for the entire year to power their business. Members will be able to benefit from the productivity, security, analytics, and scalability provided by Azure in order for them to quickly build and grow their businesses.
To make this expansion possible, Microsoft partnered with over 150 accelerators in 47 countries, including Microsoft BizSpark Plus partner, IdeaSpace.
Through the years BizSpark has provided startups around the world, through their partner accelerators, access to Microsoft cloud services, software, support and visibility. In the Philippines alone, over 948 high potential startups are being supported by the Microsoft BizSpark Program.
On top of Azure, BizSpark members are entitled to free access to other software and tools such as Visual Studio and Office, hundreds of training courses, and exclusive BizSpark offers. By becoming a BizSpark member, startups can also connect themselves to a community of startups, incubators and technical advisors who can provide advice for their business. The program also has Go-To-Market programs to help startups gain visibility and uncover opportunities. Members can also opt to become part of the Microsoft Partner Network to gain access to customers and other benefits.
Startups interested in this program may visit Microsoft.com/startups.