artificial ignorance

Since we launched BizSpark last year, we’ve gotten a tremendous amount of interest from startups to join the program. As you may recall, we recently announced that 12,000 startups are now enrolled in the program worldwide.

We’ve heard from startups who exclusively use the Mac platform, but occasionally need access to Windows for development or test, having trouble downloading software in spite of being enrolled in BizSpark. While startups who are eligible to join BizSpark can access MSDN (our online software portal), the ability to download software from a browser that isn’t Internet Explorer hasn’t been an option unfortunately. Until now…

Now startups who are enrolled in BizSpark and use Macs (or non-Internet Explorer browsers in general) can get Windows through the ‘Top Downloads’ page on MSDN: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/securedownloads/bb608344.aspx (you’ll need an MSDN account to access the contents on that page)

Here’s what you will get to see today (I’ve logged on to MSDN’s Secure Downloads from Safari on a Mac using credentials through a BizSpark account):

Once you click on one of those active links, and the download will kick off:

You can then use the virtualization software of your choice to install Windows in a VM (or using Bootcamp).

Excited about all the buzz Windows 7 has been generating – guess what, Windows 7 Release Candidate is also available through MSDN for BizSpark accounts:

The BizSpark portal just got a nice facelift as well, so head on over and join BizSpark today.

“ai”

PS: Special thanks to Cliff Reeves and Soma for their help in getting this solution together so expeditiously.

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