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Microsoft Partnering and License

I am planning to start a Company. I want to develop solution for Small business to Grow.

I have done good amount of study for Small business. I feel there is a great potential for me to enter.

My Questions are.

1. My first Application requires a Data base server for small Business. If I register as an ISV, am I allowed to distribute Microsoft SQL server 2005 Express edition once it released along with my Application? Big Smile

2. Some time there is a clash between my Vision and Microsoft Strategy. I may develop an application using Microsoft tools but Microsoft may have similar application for a smaller price or they may be actively developing application similar to features what I have. In reality we may not be a partners rather will be a competitor. Anyone can comment on it?

venus_sys

1) You don't need to be a Microsoft partner to distribute SQL Server 2005 Express. Anyone can use it or distribute it for free as long as you agree to the terms with the license agreement (at least this is how it was with MSDE).

2) What is your primary concern with being a Microsoft competitor? If you compete with Microsoft, they are not going to take away your development software (legally they can't). Corel (wordperfect), Symantec (firewall/antivirus), ZoneAlarm (firewall), etc. all use Microsoft Visual Studio for development even though they are competitors.

Hope this helps,
Josh Lindenmuth

Josh Lindenmuth

Hi Josh,

Thanks for the reply.

Whitehorseq

Which goes back to my original point ... if you're worried about competing with Microsoft, why do you feel a need to partner with them? Don't worry about creating something that competes with their software, if you can create a better product then do so. If Microsoft thinks its a better product they'll probably buy it from you and you'll be rich.

Thanks,
Josh Lindenmuth

Josh Lindenmuth

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