WebsiteSpark – Free Software? Not Exactly

Microsoft has an interesting new initiative called WebsiteSpark that features a 7,122-word legal agreement.

The attraction of the programme for small web development and design companies is obvious, starting with free licenses for development and hosting software and exposure to potential clients. As always there are catches, and some are quite amusing.

“A USD $100 Program Offering Fee is due when the Web development and design company exits the Program.”  Seriously? Microsoft is going to invoice and chase small companies around the world for a hundred bucks?

Some of other points to consider:

  • There are reporting requirements
  • The right to use the software expires after three years
  • The deal is terminated if you make an IPO or go bankrupt
  • Any disputes in China (for the purpose of this Agreement, the People’s Republic of China does not include Hong Kong S.A.R., Macao S.A.R., or Taiwan) will be settled by the China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission in Beijing (CIETAC)

WebsiteSpark will certainly be helpful to startup web development shops. It’s just sad that the lawyers and bean counters get in the way.

Published Thursday, September 24, 2009 8:28 AM by Ken Cox [MVP]
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Comments

# re: WebsiteSpark – Free Software? Not Exactly

Friday, September 25, 2009 2:44 AM by Howard

If something is totally free you'd get a lot more requests from people who would not actually use it - meaning lots of extra work with no result. The $100 is really a nominal fee and covers their processing costs, and keeps away the timewasters.

# re: WebsiteSpark – Free Software? Not Exactly

Friday, September 25, 2009 11:35 AM by Scott Galloway

These all seem pretty reasonable, in exchange for what, $10000+ of free software you have these minor restrictions???

I guess it's for startups, if after 3 years you can't afford to pay for the software your business runs on well...

# re: WebsiteSpark – Free Software? Not Exactly

Friday, September 25, 2009 7:09 PM by Ruud

I think it is a great opportunity for starters, like myself.

A hundred bucks in 3 year is practicly nothing for these tools.

I'm really happy with the WebsiteSpark program.

As for the $100 being a 'catch', imo it was stated pretty clearly that it involves these cost after three years.

At least i noticed it when registering and i didn't read the 7000+ words legal agreement ;-)

# re: WebsiteSpark – Free Software? Not Exactly

Friday, October 02, 2009 12:00 PM by Ang

Everybody is citing the Websitespark site. Nobody is talking about the SPLA Essentials agreement you have to accept when you self-host

So I get 4 cpu licenses to deploy production Server 2008. But have to pay monthly SPLA fees when I put the customers website on the server ?

Explanation ...nowhere to be found !

# re: WebsiteSpark – Free Software? Not Exactly

Saturday, December 11, 2010 10:48 PM by N Sandril

I absolutely love the Websitespark program.  As a small startup with extremely limited financial resources, this gives me the chance to use software I would otherwise be unable to use.  If we have not increased profits after three years to afford increased overhead, maybe then it will be time to close up shop and find a job working for an already established company.  I believe this program (and others like Bizspark) is to help 'the little guy' get his/her 'foot in the door'.  (It is certainly helping me.  I have nothing but good things to say about MS and their programs.) But...touche - some of these legal requirements are quite amusing.

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