Microsoft has today unveiled their BizSpark initiative.

 

Get software, support and visibility.  Microsoft is hoping to seed Silicon Valley (both real and virtual) with future customers by providing a full kit of tools and software to software development startups for free (for three years.)  This is a global program that provides access to full-featured development tools with no upfront costs. 

The startup must be nominated by a BizSpark network Partner, privately held, in business for less than 3 years, less than USD $1 million in annual revenue, and in the business of software development.  For more details download the Microsoft BizSpark Program More >