Microsoft Announces MSDN Startup Initiative At Venture Capitalist Day in Silicon Valley

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 22, 1997 — Microsoft Corp. today announced an initiative to provide promising software start-up companies with the support they need to succeed in building innovative products for the Microsoft® Windows® platform. Brad Chase, vice president of developer relations and Internet client marketing at Microsoft, made the announcement at the company’s annual Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist Day, an annual meeting when Microsoft articulates its vision for progress and opportunities on the Windows platform.

The startup initiative is the latest offering from MSDN, the Microsoft Developer Network.

“These companies are developing great products and driving innovation in the software industry,” Chase said. “More great products mean more great choices for our customers, and we are proud to stand behind these companies and support the work they are doing. Our goal is to provide start-ups building for the Windows platform the tools and support they need to be successful.”

“We’re very excited about Microsoft focusing on start-ups,” said Kristen Olson, vice president of marketing for the recently formed Upshot Corp. “It will be a great advantage to us to be able to increase our exposure to Microsoft’s customer base and take advantage of its marketing activities.”

As part of the program, Microsoft will provide start-ups with discounts on Microsoft software, access to the latest technology and product information, technical support, marketing opportunities, and visibility within the venture capitalist community. The program is available worldwide.

As part of the initiative, Microsoft plans to provide software development incubators with Microsoft development software and technical information. Microsoft will also be distributing an electronic newsletter for venture capitalists who want to stay on top of Microsoft strategy, Microsoft investments and acquisitions, and start-ups developing products on the Windows platform.

For more information on Microsoft’s startup initiative, visit http://www.microsoft.com/msdn/startup/ .

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