INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY : FREE SOFTWARE TO SUPPORT STARTUPS.

Microsoft has launched BizSpark, a global programme designed to help businesses, especially Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to build their markets with free and discounted software, technical support and market visibility. BizSpark is aimed at private companies and individuals building a software-based product or service, being less than three yearsain business and having revenue of less than US$1 million per year.

SMEs still face bureaucratic barriers and difficulties in accessing funding. The programme responds to the European Commission's aim to encourage multinationals to support SMEs. It is also part of Microsoft's strategy to help European SMEs, such as the European Union Grants Advisor initiative assisting SMEs to identify and apply for EU funding.

"BizSpark [ ] will support the development of a business idea into a sustainable business which will increase the attractiveness to third-party early-stage investors," says Anthony Clarke, president of European...