Computerworld

Microsoft gets into incubator sector

Start-ups to get free Microsoft product

Microsoft has struck a deal to supply software to local start-up companies.

Announced at Microsoft's Tech Ed conference this week, the scheme involves Microsoft giving away $3.5 million worth of software, including operating systems and collaboration, office productivity and development tools.

The software will be distributed to 100 incubator companies and 16 incubator organisations grouped under the Incubators New Zealand banner.

Incubators New Zealand is the national umbrella body for incubator organisations such as The Icehouse, the Canterbury Innovation Incubator and Otago University's Centre for Innovation.

Incubators New Zealand chair Andy Hamilton is quoted in a media release on the deal as saying "The ability to provide no-cost access to Microsoft technologies further reduces the barrier to investment in new business ideas, while making the essential tools-of-trade for software-based start-ups available.

"This will help our companies get to market quicker and in better shape."