Microsoft woos developers with WebsiteSpark

WebsiteSpark will give smaller firms easy access to tools and support

Microsoft has launched a programme that it says will help professional web development and designer companies to grow.

WebsiteSpark is a partner network for small businesses and is being launched alongside Microsoft's Web Platform Installer 2.0 and Windows Web Application Gallery 2.0.

According to the company, it is similar to its previous Spark programmes, including Microsoft BizSpark and DreamSpark, which also used "partner solutions " to promote products.

The idea is to connect web professionals and hosters with customers and partners, as well as with complementary technologies from other professionals, according to Microsoft.

Bob Muglia, president of Microsoft's Server and Tools business division, said that WebsiteSpark makes Microsoft's web development tools and support more accessible to developers and designers at small companies.

Those who sign up with the programme will have access to the software giant's web design and development tools. This will include three licences for Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition, two licences for Microsoft Expression Web 3 and one licence for Microsoft Expression Studio 3.

They will also get four processor licences for production use of Windows Web Server 2008 or R2 and as many licences for production use of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Web Edition.

In addition they will get a licence for the company's third-party premium web site control panel, DotNetPanel.

Microsoft said that web development and design companies with up to 10 employees and owners can participate in the WebsiteSpark programme for three years with no up-front cost other than a $100 offering fee.