License and Test Discounts for ISVs

Small and mid-size software vendors can get discounted software licenses and technical help through Microsoft’s new Empower partner program. The introductory program is part of a larger campaign to help smaller ISVs create certified applications on the latest versions of Windows and gain formal partner certification for their organizations. This in turn could make it easier for customers and systems integrators to find certified Windows applications and vendors in specific industries, and for small ISVs to jump-start efforts to get technical or marketing help from Microsoft.

Empower Offers Licenses, Support

Empower is an introductory program for ISVs who aren’t already certified partners and who are seeking Windows logo certification for an application. ISVs accepted into the program receive the following:

• A five-user Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Universal subscription, which delivers the Visual Studio development tools as well as test versions of most Microsoft enterprise products