Microsoft Malta holds open door event for IT start-ups and developers
Microsoft Malta in collaboration with Malta Enterprise organised an open door event for Maltese technology start-ups and young ICT companies and software developers to find out more about Microsoft’s latest technology program, called BizSpark, as well as other software development topics and technologies. The one-day conference, held at Hilton Malta, witnessed the participation of a number of young IT entrepreneurs, software developers, architects and potential start-ups keen to optimize on Microsoft’s technology.
Microsoft BizSpark provides start-ups with fast, easy access to full-featured Microsoft development tools and server products with no upfront costs and minimal requirements. It is designed to give young companies a boost at a time when credit and funding are more difficult to come by. It is a global programme designed to help ICT startups grow into successful businesses through software support and an ecosystem that delivers superior business advantage.
Details of BizSpark programme were given by the keynote speaker Joerg Troeger, Microsoft Partner Strategy Manager for Central and Eastern Europe. He said: “Start-ups need platform technologies, support and visibility to develop and grow their businesses. And BizSpark addresses these three needs which will add value to software entrepreneurs. Through their relationship with Microsoft and a BizSpark Network Partner, start-ups will achieve global visibility to an audience of potential investors, customers and partners.”
Pierre Mallia, Microsoft Malta Country Manager, in his introductory address, said: “Start-ups are the business and technology leaders of tomorrow. Microsoft is helping local start-ups realise their potential and experience the opportunities made possible through technology.”
“Microsoft has always believed in helping developers succeed. Today’s programme gives an insight on BizSpark, Software plus Services and software development. We are confident that the Microsoft BizSpark programme will create more jobs for the Maltese start-up community,” said Mr Mallia.
During the BizSpark Track, presentations were also delivered by Malta Enterprise, Microsoft’s Network Partner for the new BizSpark programme, Junior Chamber Malta and Karl Davies-Barrett, DPE Microsoft Malta and Cyprus.
Luka Debeljak, Microsoft Central and Eastern Europe Developer Platform Evangelist Regional Technical Lead, addressed the session for developers, architects and IT specialists, highlighting the Microsoft Application Development Platform. Short general development breakout sessions focusing on technologies and tips on various applications we also held.
“During the forum we gave a holistic overview of the technologies, and products such as .NET Framework, Silverlight, Windows Azure platform and services, IE8, Windows 7, Windows Mobile, Visual Studio and Expression Tools. Other concepts of particular interest to Software Architects, such as Software+Services (S+S) and Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), were also explained,” said Luka Debeljak.
The Developer Track also featured an exclusive live webcast by Jon Aneja, Product Manager of LINQ on the VB.NET team from Redmond. Other presentations were delivered by Karl Davies-Barrett, Jonathan Cassar, Software Specialist at Malta Information Technology Agency, Adrian Porter, Project Manager at Exigy Limited, Marlon Grech, Senior Software Developer at Uniblue Systems, Alan Attard, Microsoft Malta Solution Specialist and Andrew Naudi, Business Unit Manager, Software Development Computime Limited.
Microsoft BizSpark programme is supported by Malta Enterprise, who will provide guidance and support for existing and potential Maltese startups to develop and grow their businesses in ICT. Malta Enterprise also provides assistance to young companies through the ERDF Scheme which will finance a substantial part of their start-up operational costs.
The BizSpark programme will be made available to young companies and individuals building a software-based product or service who have been in business less than three years. The complete information on Microsoft BizSpark is available on http://www.microsoft.com/bizspark. Any queries can be addressed to [email protected]
