BizSpark set to ignite in NZ with 'freebie' software

Microsoft's Kirk Drage, AsiaPacific boss of BizSpark.

As Microsoft's equivalent to Santa, Kirk Drage is a busy man. Based in Singapore, Kirk is Microsoft's Asia Pacific Software Industry Development Manager and runs the BizSpark, DreamSpark and WebSiteSpark programmes, which allow website and software developers to apply for free Microsoft software and support. Kirk flew into NZ last week and the Herald got to spend some time with him.

What got you in the software development game?

Drage: I guess it's my Dad's fault. He bought home a Commodore VIC-20 from a business trip to the US. I subsequently spent hours transcribing 100's of lines of machine code from magazines to get applications into the thing – fortunately as a seven-year-old you have a certain level of tenacity for user experience issues.

What's BizSpark all about?

It's about lowering the barrier to entry for software entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable commercial success. We do this by providing firstly software – for both development and production, Secondly support technical and business, both directly and importantly through our industry partnerships with key stakeholders, like NZTE and Incubators like the E-Center and the ICEhouse and thirdly, visibility to potential partners, funding sources and markets.

So who's eligible to apply?

Anyone who can find their way to microsoft.co.nz/spark, can apply, we do have some criteria. I should also point out you'll find there, not only BizSpark which supports software entrepreneurs, but also two related programs called DreamSpark and WebSiteSpark for students and website developers respectively. Through these programs, software acquisition cost is no longer an issue for these audiences.

And what is the eligibility criteria for anyone considering applying for BizSpark?

The program was designed to be simple – simple criteria and simple to apply. The four key criteria are: You need to be developing a software product of some kind, you need to be less than 3 years old (so the program can last up to 3 years), you need to earn less than US$1 million revenue and be privately held.

Okay and what do BizSpark applicants get if they successfully apply?

Software, gobs of software. In fact we provide them with everything they need to develop solutions based upon most every Microsoft product. They also get license for production versions if they are developing online services, so while they are part of the program we essentially waive our license fee – think of this as a subsidy to help they reach commercial viability.
Support - we provide some technical support, we've also recently launched an education program to help build skills the area of business, operations and technical capability.
Visibility – which is a key enabler for success, when just starting out, getting connected to the industry and as you mature access to markets.

Which platforms does Bizspark cover?

Primarily, BizSpark provides Microsoft Design and Development tools, which can be used in so many ways. These can be used to develop, mobile, PC client, Xbox, cloud and on the Microsoft platform. We even have some open source developers which use our professional developer tools to develop for non-Microsoft platforms, although I'd always encourage them to try us out – PHP is great on Windows these days.

Whilst free development apps and other Microsoft goodies are great for start up developers, What's in it for Microsoft?

So this is not all Altruistic, growing the overall size of the software market is a good thing for Microsoft and as it aligns so closely with the goals of Industry and Government, I'm not sure why we didn't do it sooner!

So what inspired Microsoft to kick off BizSpark?

We recognise that entrepreneurship is a growth area, fuelled by technology and the internet. In only make sense for us to get involved. Partners have always been a lynchpin in the Microsoft business model, with start-ups becoming a growing segment it's become a key area of investment for us.

Aside from free software are there other benefits for start ups signing up with BizSpark?

Support – We provide some technical support, we've also recently launched an education program to help build skills the area of Business, Operations and Technical capability.

Visibility – which is a key enabler for success, when just starting out, getting connected to the industry and as you mature access to markets.

Do you have any examples of New Zealand start ups who've taken advantage of BizSpark?

Litmos, a thriving start up company with 55 customers spanning Australia, North America, the UK, Europe, South America and Mexico based in Auckland enrolled last year. Litmos' learning management system allows trainers to upload existing materials or build new materials for their courses online. One of their company's bigger clients is a construction company in Canada with over 1000 contractors. The assistance it has received from BizSpark has given the company a huge financial leg up with access to developer software and business mentorship.

Contrast Media provides mobile tagging technology as an interactive advertising solution. For Contrast Media, the business of managing and enhancing this link has been made easier with the help of BizSpark. Case studies have been attached for your reference.

What do you see as the big benefits to NZ coming out of BizSpark?

New Zealand is a land of entrepreneurs, its part of the national psyche. The globalised world is one of new horizons for opportunity, particularly in the software field. There is a need for business leaders, entrepreneurs – this really plays into the strengths of this country. We need to encourage and enable that opportunity on the global stage, help inspire careers in software beyond the domestic market.

What's the highpoint for you of being involved in BizSpark?

That's a no brainier...working with the people in the industry. Whether it's with students or industry professionals, there is such an optimism and enthusiasm to make a difference – that's the reason I love this industry and what BizSpark is doing, software is nothing more than peoples ideas.

Okay Bizspark aside, what's your favourite piece of gadgetry at the moment?

Oh, that's without doubt my Canon 5D MkII. If you haven't checked out the cinematic video this thing is capable of pumping out, head over to Vimeo.com and check out some samples. Of course having the equipment to be a filmmaker and the skill are two entirely different things, but I'm enjoying the journey!

Are there any gadgets you're currently lusting after?

That's a long list. I'll keep it to two. A new LG 3D Flat Screen TV. I was in Korea just before Christmas and saw one of these in the Hyundai department store...I can't wait to sticky tape two 5D's together and make some homebrew 3D footage!
One of these new Windows 7 compatible Onkyo amplifiers...you can send music to it from Windows Media Player. No compromises having to use your speakers to listen to your music and no compromises having to use some quirky user interface to access your music collection.

What about favourite software?

Honestly it's hard to pick one. I'm a software junkie. Right now I'm totally loving Sibelius 6. Which is music notation software – may sound a little ho-hum, it's anything but!! – I can create jazz backing tracks to create a virtual band for my piano or music scores for video. This is one of those applications that really embodies the power of software.

And your most frequently visited website outside of work?

TED.com it's edutainment at it's best, like the discovery channel but better. And I love finding cover bands on MySpace like Pomplamoose.