ISVs that develop applications on top of SQL Server 2005 are eligible for marketing benefits and additional technical support if they sign up for the new Front Runner program.

Open to ISVs in the United States that are members of the Microsoft Partner Program, Front Runner offers the following benefits:

• Ten hours of technical support
• Marketing benefits, such as the right to use a new Front Runner logo, marketing collateral for their customers, and eligibility for inclusion in Microsoft's own marketing campaigns
• Vouchers for the Microsoft Platform Test for SQL Server 2005, run by VeriTest.

ISVs in the program must commit to launching their application by Mar. 31, 2006.

New partners or those in the Registered Partner tier can use the certification of their application to gain points toward a higher level (Certified or Gold Certified) in the Microsoft Partner Program. Among other benefits, partners with at least Certified Partner status can participate in the Microsoft ISV Royalty Licensing Program, which enables them to embed discounted copies of SQL Server (and other Microsoft applications) in their software for resale to customers.

The Front Runner program is described at microsoft.mrmpslc.com/SqlServerFrontRunner/Overview.aspx.

The Microsoft ISV Royalty Licensing Program is described at https://partner.microsoft.com/US/licensing/otherprograms/royaltylicensing.