WebsiteSpark Frequently Asked Questions - External



Contents

Contents 2

General Questions 4

What is the Microsoft WebsiteSpark program? 4

What is the enrollment process for Web Pros? 4

How does this program help to drive new business opportunities for each audience? 5

What differentiating value does this program create for business? 6

My company is already a BizSpark member. Can we enroll in WebsiteSpark as well? 6

Web Pros 7

How does WebsiteSpark define “Web Pros”? 7

Who is eligible for WebsiteSpark? 7

What are the WebsiteSpark offers to Web Pros? 7

Why are the software downloads different for the Primary Contact and Secondary Contacts? 8

What technology resources are included in this program? 8

What types of companies can benefit from WebsiteSpark? 9

How much does it cost to join WebsiteSpark? 9

Will my company be allowed to use the support and training benefits immediately or will there be some delay? 9

How can my company access the program software? 9

What if my company already has a licensed copy of the software that WebsiteSpark offers? 9

What will happen after three years of participation in WebsiteSpark? 9

If my company participates in WebsiteSpark, are we required to stop using other hosting platforms? 10

How does WebsiteSpark provide cutting-edge support and training? 10

How does WebsiteSpark help companies to quickly develop differentiated Web sites? 10

Are there any tax consequences to program benefits, such as downloading and using the program software? 10

Does a Web Pro have to sign up with a Hosting Partner? 10

Hosting Partners 11

How does WebsiteSpark define “Hosting Partners”? 11

What does it cost to become a Hosting Partner? 11

What benefits do Hosting Partners receive from the program? 11

What is the difference between being a Network Partner and a Hosting Partner? 11

Who is eligible to be a Hosting Partner? 12

As a Hosting Partner, what software can I use to offer hosting services to Web Pros? What conditions must I follow when using the hosting software? 12

What information should I provide to become a Hosting Partner? 12

What is the process for enrolling as a Hosting Partner? 12

How does this program help to drive new business opportunities for Hosting Partners? 13

What are the conditions for hosting Web Pros under WebsiteSpark? 13

How do Hosting Partners help to easily enroll Web Pros in WebsiteSpark? 13

How do Web Pros select a Hosting Partner? 14

With such a broad list of Hosting Partners, how can Web Pros choose a Hosting Partner that best meets their needs? 14

How does a Hosting Partner help a company determine if it qualifies for WebsiteSpark? 14

Can a Hosting Partner’s existing customers—who otherwise qualify for WebsiteSpark—be enrolled into the program? 15

What type of Microsoft software license does a Hosting Partner provision onto servers for Web Pros? How does the WebsiteSpark Hosting Partner report usage associated with these servers? 15

What types of hosting services can Hosting Partners offer to Web Pros? Are there any restrictions on these services? 15

Will Microsoft offer free migration from a Web Pro company’s existing Hoster to a Hosting Partner that WebsiteSpark provides? 15

What changes to the hosting infrastructure might a Hoster have to make in order to be a WebsiteSpark Hosting Partner? 15

The person who enrolled my company as a Hosting Partner used their own Windows Live ID. How can we change our account so that it specifies a different Live ID and Primary Contact? What if the current Primary Contact is no longer with our company, and we do not know how to log in? 16

How long can a Hosting Partner provide hosting discounts to Web Pros? 16

How will a Hosting Partner know when a Web Pro no longer qualifies for the WebsiteSpark discounts? 16

If a Hosting Partner ends its own membership in the program, what happens to the Web Pros receiving hosting services from that Hosting Partner? 16

Network Partners 17

How does WebsiteSpark define “Network Partners,” and what business benefits do they receive? 17

Why should I become a Network Partner? 17

What is the enrollment process for Network Partners? 17

How do Network Partners help to enroll Web Pros into WebsiteSpark? 17

What does it cost to become a Network Partner? 18

Are Network Partners allowed to charge a Web Pro for sponsorship in the program? 18

How can my company list its information on the WebsiteSpark site? 18

As a Network Partner, my company has multiple users who need to access the WebsiteSpark portal. How do we manage this? 18

General Questions

What is the Microsoft WebsiteSpark program?

Microsoft® WebsiteSpark™ is designed—in the same vein as Microsoft BizSpark™—to jumpstart business development for small professional Web development and design companies (referred to as “Web Pros”) interested in adding proficiency on the Microsoft platform to their business credentials. The program helps Web Pros drive new business opportunities through increased visibility and connections with partners (including Web Hosters) and customers around the world; WebsiteSpark also provides Web Pros with Microsoft tools and hosting solutions, as well as support and training.

What is the enrollment process for Web Pros?

Several groups take part in the enrollment process:

Web Pros

Web Pros enroll in the program through the WebsiteSpark Web site: .

A valid approval code from a Microsoft Champ, Network Partner, or Hosting Partner is required for registration. Under normal circumstances, this approval code will be received in an automated e-mail message. If an approval code is not available, the company’s Primary Contact[1] can select a Hosting Partner and request a code by using the “Find a Hosting Partner” tool on the WebsiteSpark Web site.

1. Once connected to , the Primary Contact should click on “Find a Hosting Partner.”

2. Next, the Primary Contact applies desired filters:

0. Filter by Hosting Partners that support only the company’s country/region

0. Broaden the search to include Hosting Partners that support the company’s country/region and others

3. The Primary Contact selects a country/region from the drop-down list box. The system populates the page with Hosting Partners that satisfy the filter criteria.

4. If desired, the Primary Contact can refine the list by filtering state/province for the selected country/region.

5. The system sends notification about the company’s pending approval to the selected Hosting Partner or Champ.

Once an approval code is secured, the Primary Contact can complete the enrollment process. To do so, the Primary Contact first connects to the WebsiteSpark Web site at . The enrollment process is quick and easy. The Primary Contact must be signed in to Windows Live™ ID. If not, the system will prompt to do so.

1. Once connected to , the Primary Contact should review the eligibility requirements and check the appropriate box. When ready, the Primary Contact clicks “Join WebsiteSpark” to continue the enrollment process.

2. The Primary Contact is prompted to review and accept the WebsiteSpark Web Pro Agreement and the WebsiteSpark Program License Terms. The acceptance of both agreements is required to continue the enrollment process.

3. Next, the Primary Contact enters information about the company and the individual completing the enrollment application.

4. The final step in the enrollment process is to enter an approval code provided by a Network Partner or a Champ if a Network Partner was not available. If a valid approval code is entered, the enrollment is complete and the company is approved in WebsiteSpark.

5. Once the enrollment process is complete and the company is approved, the company’s Primary Contact will receive a "Welcome to the Microsoft WebsiteSpark Program" e-mail that includes next steps for getting started.

Network Partners

Network Partners nominate Web Pros for WebsiteSpark membership on behalf of Microsoft. Network Partners should have an existing relationship with these potential members.

Hosting Partners

Similar to Network Partners, Hosting Partners nominate Web Pros for WebsiteSpark membership. Hosting Partners can have an existing relationship with potential members, but this is not required. Hosting Partners also will be listed in a directory for those Web Pros who do not have a previous nomination. A designated contact for the Hosting Partner will receive a request for a nomination, and that contact will choose whether to grant the nomination.

The target Hosting Partner is a managed Communications Sector Hoster with a focus on small and medium business customers. Each Hosting Partner must sign a Service Provider Licensing Agreement (SPLA) amendment that gives Web Pros enrolled in WebsiteSpark the right to provide hosting. Under WebsiteSpark, Hosting Partners incur no charges for the Microsoft licenses consumed by Web Pros. Hosting Partners must pass this cost savings to Web Pros in the form of a discounted hosting price.

How does this program help to drive new business opportunities for each audience?

Web Pros can expand their customer base and drive new business by connecting with an ecosystem of customers, partners, and other Web Pros with complementary technologies. They can benefit from Microsoft marketing and business networking vehicles to showcase and drive demand toward their Web services and solutions.

Hosting Partners provide the hosting infrastructure for Web sites built by Web Pros. Hosting Partners can increase touch points and grow their customer base by gaining exposure as a Microsoft partner and participating in an ecosystem that includes not only Web Pros but also their customers.

Network Partners sponsor Web Pros for WebsiteSpark and provide business and technical services and guidance to support them. Network Partners can become a valued business partner by contributing to Web Pros’ success. Network Partners also can grow their customer/audience base by gaining exposure as a Microsoft partner and participating in an ecosystem that includes not only Web Pros but also their customers.

What differentiating value does this program create for business?

WebsiteSpark provides a thriving business and technical climate to build Web sites. WebsiteSpark achieves this by focusing on business development programs. Tools and technologies to build sites and applications, as well as support and training programs, help to ensure adoption and success.

By participating in WebsiteSpark, Network Partners and Hosting Partners gain exposure as a Microsoft partner and join an ecosystem that includes not only Web development and design companies but also their customers. With this exposure and geometric progression of touch points, WebsiteSpark Network Partners and Hosting Partners can extend their reach and grow their business and customer base.

My company is already a BizSpark member. Can we enroll in WebsiteSpark as well?

Existing BizSpark startups are not eligible for membership in WebsiteSpark as Web Pros, as BizSpark is for startup companies with a specific technology need while WebsiteSpark is for professional services firms. However, existing BizSpark Hosting Partners are encouraged to sign on as WebsiteSpark Hosting Partners.

Web Pros

How does WebsiteSpark define “Web Pros”?

“Web Pros” are small professional Web development and design companies, Web-based Value-Added Providers (VAPs), and IT generalists who have Web competencies.

Who is eligible for WebsiteSpark?

Program qualifications for Web Pros are as follows:

0. Professional firms whose primary business is providing Web development and design services for their customers.

0. Web Pro firms must have 10 or less members (including owners, employees, and contractors).

In addition, Web Pros must be willing to:

0. Develop and deploy at least one new Web site using Microsoft tools and servers within six months after enrollment, and report it and other new sites to Microsoft.

0. If not already a member, enroll in the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN, formerly known as the Microsoft Partner Program) as part of program participation.

What are the WebsiteSpark offers to Web Pros?

WebsiteSpark provides the following benefits to Web Pros:

0. Opportunities to drive new business and expand their customer base with the following:

o WebsiteSpark Marketplace, powered by Pinpoint and coming later this fall. A site where Web Pros can:

0. Be found by customers

0. Build a Web presence and showcase their capabilities

0. Simplify the process to connect with qualified customers

o Partner Recruiting Portal. A resource on the MPN site for finding and recruiting partners with complementary skills.

o Web App Gallery. A resource that provides instant access to the most popular community Web applications available. Web Pros can browse the gallery to find off-the-shelf Web applications and solutions to make their business more successful. They can choose with confidence, knowing that community applications are tested to work with the Microsoft Web platform and will work straight out of the box. The Windows Web application enables Web Pros, with just a few clicks, to install the most popular community Web applications directly into their Web site. Web Pros can reach more customers by submitting and showcasing their own work through the Web App Gallery.

0. Opportunities for support and training: Receive professional support from Microsoft and get connected to WebsiteSpark Network Partners, Hosting Partners, and other Web developers and designers with complementary technologies or business models—an entire ecosystem that can provide a wide range of technical and business resources for every Web professional need. Benefits include:

o Two professional support incidents per program membership

o Free online training

o Managed newsgroups on MSDN (a community of over six million developers) and/or other Microsoft online properties

o Access to broad community support through connections with Network Partners, Hosting Partners, and peers with complementary services and technologies

0. Fast, easy, and immediate access to Microsoft Web design and development software and solutions:

o Design Tools/Development Tools/Testing Tools. Each Web Pro firm will be entitled to :

0. Visual Studio® 2008 Professional Edition – 3 user licenses

0. Expression® Studio 2 (or 3) – 1 user license, available only to the Primary Contact for the Web Pro

0. Expression® Web 2 (or 3) – 2 user licenses

0. Windows Web Server® 2008 (or Windows Web Server 2008 R2 when available) – 3 user licenses

0. SQL Server® 2008 Web – 3 user licenses

o Production and Deployment. If self-hosting, each Web Pro firm will be entitled to four processor production licenses each (requires enrollment in SPLA Essentials):

0. Windows Web Server® 2008 (or Windows Web Server 2008 R2, when available)

0. SQL Server® 2008 Web

o Web Pro firms may also qualify for special offers from Microsoft or others, including complementary third-party technologies such as:

0. DotNetPanel control panel—A premium control panel from SMB SAAS Systems, Inc., so that Web Pros can effectively control Web site hosting parameters

Why are the software downloads different for the Primary Contact and Secondary Contacts?

The only difference in available software is that the Web Pro’s Primary Contact will have access to Expression® Studio on the WebsiteSpark portal, while the Secondary Contacts will have access to Expression® Web from MSDN (through a special hyperlink from the WebsiteSpark portal). This reflects typical use of Expression in most Web design firms.

What technology resources are included in this program?

WebsiteSpark includes the following resources for more information:

WebsiteSpark

The main Web page for the program is found at . This portal provides special access to all program benefits, including software.

Microsoft Partner Network (formerly known as Microsoft Partner Program or MSPP)

The MPN is the primary relationship management program for doing business with Microsoft and its products. The program provides sales and marketing assistance, expertise to improve competencies and innovation, and communities to enhance relationships and collaboration. For more information, visit .

Microsoft Web Platform

Whether you are looking to create your company’s global Web presence, building applications for your small business, launching a new Web site, or just getting started on the Web, Microsoft has the solutions for you—trusted by the Fortune 500 and used by millions of individuals. For more information, visit .



Microsoft and the developer community provide many support options for various questions, each answered in a tutorial, video, or other resource and outlined in a step-by-step approach. For more information, visit .



This resource provides detailed help via questions placed in communities and forums for various categories, such as general, security, publishing, configuration, setup, and migration. For more information, visit .

What types of companies can benefit from WebsiteSpark?

WebsiteSpark benefits Web Pros who want to get more out of the Microsoft Web platform, have 10 or less members (including owners, employees, and contractors), and are actively building new Web sites for their customers. WebsiteSpark provides business development programs, tools, and technologies to build sites and applications, as well as support and training programs to help ensure adoption and success.

How much does it cost to join WebsiteSpark?

There is no upfront cost for Web Pros to join WebsiteSpark or receive its benefits; a USD $100 Program Offering Fee is due when the Web Pro exits the Program.

Will my company be allowed to use the support and training benefits immediately or will there be some delay?

The software, training, and support benefits are available immediately upon registering for the program.

How can my company access the program software?

In order to access the software, Web Pros can connect to the MSDN Web site through a link after logging in to the WebsiteSpark site. Software is distributed via the Download Software and License Keys area on the MSDN Web site.

What if my company already has a licensed copy of the software that WebsiteSpark offers?

Licenses obtained under the WebsiteSpark program are for new installations only.

What will happen after three years of participation in WebsiteSpark?

Microsoft intends WebsiteSpark to inspire success in the Web business. Once a company starts participating in the Microsoft community, it will find wide avenues of support with MSDN and MPN.

For discounted production software granted under the terms of the program, the licenses are carried under a modified version of SPLA. For Web Pros who self-host, at the end of program participation, the discounts expire and licenses that continue to be used are billed at then-prevailing SPLA rates. For Web Pros using hosted servers at a Hosting Partner, the discounted fees granted to the Hosting Partner will expire, but the terms and pricing of the hosting services are between the Hosting Partner and former Web Pros.

If my company participates in WebsiteSpark, are we required to stop using other hosting platforms?

Web Pros can continue to work in any platform they choose.

How does WebsiteSpark provide cutting-edge support and training?

Web Pros get dedicated support from Microsoft engineers and Network Partners around the world—companies that focus on supporting small Web businesses and can provide a wide range of resources. Web Pros also will receive free online training, managed newsgroups, and access to the MSDN developer community and resources.

Also, Network Partners provide technical and business support and guidance to Web Pros, helping them to build Web business with their expertise and offerings. Network Partners can build a relationship as Web Pros’ valued business partner by contributing to their success.

How does WebsiteSpark help companies to quickly develop differentiated Web sites?

Web Pros receive fast, easy, and immediate access to current full-featured Microsoft development tools and Web server hosting licenses to develop and bring to market differentiated, innovative, and rich Internet sites and applications. Web Pros can improve their productivity through cost-effective hosting solutions for their new Web sites. In addition, there is no upfront cost to enroll.

Are there any tax consequences to program benefits, such as downloading and using the program software?

Tax rules vary and are dependent on many factors, including business structure and geography. You should consult with your tax advisors to determine the applicable consequences of receiving any program benefits, including downloading and using the program software.

Does a Web Pro have to sign up with a Hosting Partner?

Web Pros are not required to contract for managed hosting services or to even obtain hosting services from a Hosting Partner. They can self-host their customers’ Web sites, or they can contract with any Hoster of their choice. However, only a WebsiteSpark Hosting Partner meets certain qualifications and can provide hosting services at a discounted rate.

Hosting Partners

How does WebsiteSpark define “Hosting Partners”?

“Hosters” are companies that provide hosting infrastructure and network support for others. Categories of Hosters include Internet hosting providers, Web hosting providers, telecommunications firms with hosting offerings, and co-located data centers. Once enrolled in WebsiteSpark as Network Partners, Hosters are referred to as “Hosting Partners.” Hosting Partners provide hosting infrastructure and network support for the program’s designers and developers (“Web Pros”) to run new Web sites on behalf of their customers.

What does it cost to become a Hosting Partner?

There is no upfront cost to participate in the program. Hosting Partners bear the costs of infrastructure and equipment to support the hosting environment as well as any other software required to establish that infrastructure.

What benefits do Hosting Partners receive from the program?

By participating in WebsiteSpark, Hosters gain exposure as a Microsoft partner and join an ecosystem that includes not only Web development and design companies but also their customers. With this exposure and geometric progression of touch points, WebsiteSpark Hosting Partners can extend their reach and grow their business and customer base. They also can contribute to the infrastructure and business environment that support the Web technologies that companies and consumers rely on worldwide.

Microsoft WebsiteSpark provides the following benefits to Hosting Partners:

0. Opportunities for business growth. Increase touch points and grow your customer base by gaining exposure as a Microsoft partner and participating in an ecosystem that includes not only Web Pros but also their customers.

0. Business development. Help to build your residual income stream and increase your chances of retaining customers by adding value to services.

0. Hosting Community support. Through the Microsoft Hosting Community, a part of the MPN, gain access to a broad range of information about products and services that can support hosting businesses by complementing and extending hosting solutions from Microsoft.

0. DotNetPanel control panel. Gain access (per usual third party terms) to a third party premium control panel from SMB SAAS Systems, Inc., so that Web Pros can effectively control Web site hosting parameters.

0. Increased visibility. Contribute to the infrastructure and business environment that support the Web technologies that companies and consumers rely on worldwide.

Microsoft Communications Sector will identify, recruit, and work with WebsiteSpark Hosting Partners. If you would like to join the program as a Hosting Partner, please visit .

What is the difference between being a Network Partner and a Hosting Partner?

All Hosting Partners are also Network Partners, but not all Network Partners are Hosting Partners.

Generally, Network Partners provide support to Web Pros in various ways, such as hosting and business services, technical and business advice, networking, mentoring, peer connections, or other resources and services. There are many kinds of Network Partners, and they are not limited to only providing hosting services.

Who is eligible to be a Hosting Partner?

Program qualifications for Hosting Partners are as follows:

0. Must be enrolled in the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN)

0. Must have a Microsoft Service Provider License Agreement (SPLA) in place

0. Must use self-dedicated or virtualized dedicated hosting on Windows

0. Must be willing to actively promote a WebsiteSpark offer in the market

As a Hosting Partner, what software can I use to offer hosting services to Web Pros? What conditions must I follow when using the hosting software?

Hosting Partners may use their existing SPLA licenses, but must report usage separately through a WebsiteSpark Web reporting page.

Discounted product licensing applies to the following:

0. Cannot apply the program benefits to existing business

0. Offered only to Web Pros hosting new public Internet domains

0. Cannot aggregate WebsiteSpark Web Pro hosting on shared servers

0. Must provide each developer or designer with dedicated server instances (physical or virtual)

What information should I provide to become a Hosting Partner?

To join WebsiteSpark, a Hosting Partner should provide following information:

0. Name, title, and e-mail address of the company officer who will sign the online agreements on behalf of the company

0. Company profile information

o Home office address

o Home page URL

o Primary inbound sales phone number

o Primary inbound sales email address

o Company description (2,500 characters or less)

o Name and e-mail of Primary Contact who will manage your account on the WebsiteSpark portal

What is the process for enrolling as a Hosting Partner?

To enroll as Hosting Partners in WebsiteSpark, Hosters should:

Ask

0. Tell their Microsoft account representative that they want to enroll.

0. Provide company profile data and the name and e-mail address of the company officer who will sign the program agreements for them.

Sign

0. Sign program agreements online, which include the Service Provider Licensing Agreement, the Product Use Rights Agreement, and the Microsoft WebsiteSpark Program Marketing and Sponsorship Agreement for Hosting Services Providers. Microsoft will provide a link to a Web page for electronic document review and signature.

0. Allow Microsoft to connect them to the WebsiteSpark champion who will be their local point of contact.

Prepare

0. Download the Launch Kit and use the templates and logos in the kit to prepare their online WebsiteSpark offer page.

0. Work with their designated WebsiteSpark champion to connect to any program launch events in their area.

How does this program help to drive new business opportunities for Hosting Partners?

Building new business is a key element of the program for Hosting Partners. Hosting Partners can build a sales pipeline on their own by:

0. Promoting their unique WebsiteSpark offer

0. Engaging potential Web Pros and pointing them to the WebsiteSpark Web site when they inquire

Microsoft can also assist in obtaining leads by:

0. Funneling Web Pros with no stated Hosting Partner relationship to a participating Hosting Partner; in turn, the Hosting Partner nominates Web Pros to the WebsiteSpark program

What are the conditions for hosting Web Pros under WebsiteSpark?

Hosting Partners may use their existing SPLA licenses, but must report usage separately through a WebsiteSpark reporting page. Hosting Partners will receive 100% discount of SPLA license fees. Also, the following conditions apply:

0. Hosting Partners cannot apply the program to existing business.

0. Only Web Pros hosting new public Internet domains can receive discounted pricing.

0. Hosting Partners cannot aggregate Web Pros onto shared servers.

0. Each Web Pro must receive a dedicated server instance (physical or virtual).

How do Hosting Partners help to easily enroll Web Pros in WebsiteSpark?

To automate the Web Pro nomination process, the following steps are required:

0. In the WebsiteSpark portal, Hosting Partners can periodically select an option to pre-generate a set of valid WebsiteSpark Web Pros enrollment codes. These are downloaded and then maintained on the Hosting Partner’s facilities.

0. Hosting Partners create an offer page to recruit Web Pros into the WebsiteSpark program. The offer page can include an enrollment button for Web Pros to click after they agree to terms and conditions.

0. On click-through, the Hosting Partner’s server-side script pulls the next unused enrollment code from the current set. The script then redirects to the WebsiteSpark portal with the enrollment code pre-populated on the signup page.

0. When Web Pros sign up with the pre-populated code, WebsiteSpark knows that they were referred by the Hosting Partner and selects the Web Pro’s default Hosting Partner.

0. The Web Pros then show up in a WebsiteSpark generated for Hosting Partners. This is proof that the Web Pros are valid WebsiteSpark members.

0. At this point, the Hosting Partner can provide with the Web Pros with a WebsiteSpark hosting offer.

How do Web Pros select a Hosting Partner?

Web Pros who receive a program nomination from a Hosting Partner will automatically select that Hosting Partner.

Web Pros who attempt to enroll in the program without a nomination can use a directory of Hosting Partner to obtain one. When the Web Pro selects a Hosting Partner, the Hosting Partner receives a request for a referral code. If the Hosting Partner uses the referral code, the Hosting Partner establishes a relationship with the Web Pro.

Some Web Pros may choose to self-host, in which case they will have no Hosting Partner assigned.

With such a broad list of Hosting Partners, how can Web Pros choose a Hosting Partner that best meets their needs?

Small businesses must address widely varying needs when selecting business partners, and hosting services, which are typically inexpensive and readily available, can sometimes be considered standard offerings. Hosting Partners are advised to differentiate their offerings and abilities, as well as to align their offerings to the three pillars of WebsiteSpark: business development, software and tools, and support and training.

How does a Hosting Partner help a company determine if it qualifies for WebsiteSpark?

Hosting Partners can help potential Web Pros determine their eligibility to the program. WebsiteSpark qualifications are:

0. Professional firms whose primary business is providing Web development and design services for their customers.

0. Web Pro firms must have 10 or less members (including owners, employees, and contractors).

In addition, Web Pros must be willing to:

0. Develop and deploy at least one new Web site using Microsoft tools and servers within six months after enrollment, and report it and other new sites to Microsoft.

0. If not already a member, enroll in the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN formerly known as Microsoft Partner Program.) as part of program participation.

Can a Hosting Partner’s existing customers—who otherwise qualify for WebsiteSpark—be enrolled into the program?

Web Pros who are existing hosting customers of a Hosting Partner cannot be enrolled in WebsiteSpark because the program provides incentive to new Web Pros to use the Windows Web platform.

What type of Microsoft software license does a Hosting Partner provision onto servers for Web Pros? How does the WebsiteSpark Hosting Partner report usage associated with these servers?

The SPLA is used to license production servers. This allows the Hosting Partner to provision the server before its actual use, and grants the correct usage rights to all parties involved. Hosting Partners report usage on a quarterly basis for SPLA license usage; they also report usage on the WebsiteSpark portal for program usage.

What types of hosting services can Hosting Partners offer to Web Pros? Are there any restrictions on these services?

Hosting Partners can offer any services they see as commercially viable—WebsiteSpark places no restriction on the offerings. However, the Hosting Partner will only receive discounts on the designated program’s hosting software (via SPLA).

Will Microsoft offer free migration from a Web Pro company’s existing Hoster to a Hosting Partner that WebsiteSpark provides?

This is not a designated benefit of the program. However, free migration could be a differentiating service that the Hoster Partner provides.

What changes to the hosting infrastructure might a Hoster have to make in order to be a WebsiteSpark Hosting Partner?

Hosters must provide an infrastructure to support the Microsoft Web platform and to capture billing information for reporting WebsiteSpark participation.

The person who enrolled my company as a Hosting Partner used their own Windows Live ID. How can we change our account so that it specifies a different Live ID and Primary Contact? What if the current Primary Contact is no longer with our company, and we do not know how to log in?

The designated account administrator can be updated at any time:

1. Connect to and sign in with the current administrator’s Windows Live ID. (Note: Please contact WebsiteSpark customer support if the current account administrator is no longer associated with your company.)

2. Select the Go button located under “Edit primary contact,” which will link you to the “Edit Primary Contact” page.

3. Click the Generate link button; cut-and-paste the resulting URL into an e-mail message.

4. Send the message to the new account administrator, instructing that person to click the URL to enroll in WebsiteSpark as the new Primary Contact.

Once the designation process is complete, the new account administrator should:

1. Connect to .

2. Sign in with their Windows Live ID to access the Network Partner home page with full administrator rights.

3. Select the option to “Edit primary contact” and update the contact information.

How long can a Hosting Partner provide hosting discounts to Web Pros?    

Product discounts can be provided as long as the Hosting Partner and Web Pro are both enrolled in WebsiteSpark and are in good standing.

How will a Hosting Partner know when a Web Pro no longer qualifies for the WebsiteSpark discounts?

Microsoft will inform the Hosting Partner if and when a Web Pro ends participation in the program. However, during and after the program, the terms and pricing of the hosting services are between the Hosting Partner and Web Pros.

If a Hosting Partner ends its own membership in the program, what happens to the Web Pros receiving hosting services from that Hosting Partner?

If a Hosting Partner ends its participation in the program, Web Pros have the choice to stay with the former Hosting Partner (which will no longer be eligible for discounts on the hosting software) or to end their service agreements with the former Hosting Partner and contract with another Hosting Partner.

Network Partners

How does WebsiteSpark define “Network Partners,” and what business benefits do they receive?

“Network Partners” are active members of the local software ecosystem engaged with small Web development and design service companies. Network Partners support software-based Web businesses through hosting or other business services, technical and business advice, networking, mentoring, peer connections, or other resources and services.

By participating in WebsiteSpark, Network Partners gain exposure as a Microsoft partner and join an ecosystem that includes not only Web development and design companies but also their customers. With this exposure and geometric progression of touchpoints, Network Partners can extend their reach and grow their business and customer base. They also can contribute to the infrastructure and business environment that support the Web technologies (including Software plus Services solutions) that companies and consumers rely on worldwide.

By participating in WebsiteSpark, Network Partners can:

0. Grow their business and customer/audience base by gaining exposure as a Microsoft partner and participating in an ecosystem that includes not only Web Pros but also their customers. Network Partners can become Web Pros’ valued business partners by sponsoring them for WebsiteSpark and providing business and technical services and guidance to support them.

0. Find complementary service providers and other business partners—as well as Web Pros and, in turn, their customers—through the WebsiteSpark Web business ecosystem.

0. Access the knowledge and resources of other participants in the WebsiteSpark Web business ecosystem.

0. Get targeted marketing support through a directory that aligns business specialty, geography, and ratings.

Why should I become a Network Partner?

The Network Partners surrounding Web Pros, including Hosting Partners, have access to hundreds of service companies and, in turn, gain reach into thousands of their customers. Network Partners grow their business and customer base by building the infrastructure and business environment to support the Web technologies that companies rely on worldwide. Network Partners further benefit from opportunities to drive new business and revenue growth and to have more visibility and impact.

What is the enrollment process for Network Partners?

Those interested in becoming a WebsiteSpark Network Partner should visit for more information.

The first time a new Network Partner accesses the WebsiteSpark portal, an agreement is presented, which must be electronically signed.

How do Network Partners help to enroll Web Pros into WebsiteSpark?

0. In the WebsiteSpark portal, Network Partners can periodically select an option to pre-generate a set of valid WebsiteSpark Web Pros enrollment codes.

0. The Network Partner’s offer page can include an enrollment button for eligible Web Pros to click after they agree to terms and conditions.

0. On click-through, the Network Partner’s server-side script pulls the next unused enrollment code from the current set.

0. The script then redirects to the Microsoft WebsiteSpark portal with the enrollment code pre-populated on the signup page.

What does it cost to become a Network Partner?

There are no costs or fees associated with being a WebsiteSpark Network Partner. Network Partners must agree to program terms and conditions, available on the WebsiteSpark portal.

Are Network Partners allowed to charge a Web Pro for sponsorship in the program?

No, a Network Partners should not charge to sponsor a Web Pro. However, a Network Partner can charge its normal membership fee or business rates for services that a Web Pro requests outside of the Program.

How can my company list its information on the WebsiteSpark site?

Network Partners have the option of listing their contact information on the WebsiteSpark site so that Web Pros who want to associate with a Network Partner can find them.

To set up your listing, connect to and sign in with your Windows Live ID; then, fill in the description of your company and the services you offer.

Note: All text is subject to Microsoft review and approval prior to posting.

As a Network Partner, my company has multiple users who need to access the WebsiteSpark portal. How do we manage this?

Network Partners with multiple users should manage access by creating one Windows Live ID for everyone to use to log in to the WebsiteSpark portal. For example, the company Contoso, Ltd, could establish example@ as a Windows Live ID, and the ID could be used by multiple individuals within the company.

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[1] A Primary Contact is a current member (owner or employee) of the company who is authorized to enroll the company [pic]

789:VW_`a{|}~€?‚žŸ°±²ÌÍÎÏÐÑÒÓïð ùèùä×ä×ÎÆÂƹ´ª´?ª´ªÆ‘ÆÂƹ´ª´„ª´ªÆ‘ÆÂÆvk?hÍ^¦mHnHu[pic]h•*'hÍ^¦0J#mHnHu[pic][2]?j}[pic]?hAžU[pic]hÍ^¦CJOJQJaJ[3]?j[pic]?hAžU[pic]j?hAžU[pic] ?hÍinto the WebsiteSpark program. The Primary Contact will serve as the Company’s account administrator, and he or she alone will have access to the company’s home page and subpages via its Windows Live™ ID credentials.

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September 2009

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Frequently Asked Questions

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