14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is positioning its platform technology as a support factor designed to drive and fuel innovation in the software ecosystem. In this context, the Redmond company announced that the Microsoft Emerging Business Team debuted the Startup Accelerator Program with a focus on turning startup potential into reality. According to Microsoft, the program is envisioned with an international reach, but implementations will be localized to United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and 12 more countries. 20 startups have already been chosen to participate in the initiative, and will benefit from accelerated software development and market visibility.
"The mission of the Emerging Business Team is to identify and focus on new technologies and business models that emerge from early stage startups that we identify as innovative, compelling, disruptive and potentially strategic to Microsoft. We then facilitate opportunities for those startups and the venture capitalists that fund them. Of course, we want to partner with all startups using our platform technology, not just the high-potential ones. (...) And we have the Microsoft Startup Zone, which is a great resource for startups that are interested in getting the most out of Microsoft's programs and resources, and increasing their success with Microsoft", revealed Dan'l Lewin, corporate vice president of Microsoft's Strategic and Emerging Business Development.
Lewin also pointed out that the Emerging Business Team tends to center on lending a helping hand to startups that are clearly sharing business and technology focus with that of Microsoft, because in this manner, the company is more able to deliver the necessary acceleration. Essentially, the Redmond company will sponsor companies that are aligned with its own market priorities. However, Microsoft's own technology footprint is quite extensive and the satellite startups will have no problems aligning their own goals with those of the company.
"This could range anywhere from next generation Web innovations, media broadcasting, news advertising models, service-based software, to the technologies that enable Office Business Applications (OBAs), scenarios around entertainment and mobility, and CRM (customer relationship management) extensions. And that's just a glimpse at our breadth. We're also focusing on innovative uses of Microsoft technologies and what people are doing that's new and different. If we find something that's interesting or disruptive, we always like to take a look at that, even if it doesn't fit into our focus areas", Lewin added.