SRT Solutions, Ann Arbor SPARK and Microsoft Work Together to Accelerate Startups

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 3 -- Software gurus SRT Solutions and Ann Arbor SPARK, the driving force of business acceleration, attraction and retention in the Ann Arbor region, are joining forces to offer a view of the Microsoft BizSpark program for startups. The seminar, scheduled for December 11 from 5-7 p.m. at SPARK Central, will provide insight about how this new program can provide business acceleration consulting and software support for software-based or service start-ups.

"The BizSpark program is an exciting new offering through Microsoft for software-based start-ups. To truly maximize the Microsoft offering, we've partnered with local developer SRT Solutions to offer a one-stop resource combing the software expertise of SRT Solutions and the business counsel of Ann Arbor SPARK," said Michael A. Finney, CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK. "Access to resources that can be costly, like software, can help a cash-strapped start-up business compete in a tough economy."

SRT is a partner in Microsoft's BizSpark, a new global program designed to help start-ups get on a fast track. BizSpark will provide access to Microsoft's current, full-featured development tools and server products with no upfront costs.

"Software is a critical business resource," explained Bill Wagner, SRT Solutions co-founder and Microsoft regional director. "Understanding the software tools a start-up needs to streamline business operations and functions, and how to implement software in a strategic way, provide key support for business success."

Wagner, along with SRT Solutions' co-founder Dianne Marsh, will offer a "how to" to help BizSpark attendees maximize the value of software to support business growth. Scott Olson, Ann Arbor SPARK's director of business acceleration, will provide advice on business expansion.

Jennifer Marsman, developer evangelist in Microsoft's Developer and Platform Evangelism group, will be available to answer BizSpark-related questions from attendees.

The Microsoft BizSpark Program launch will be held at SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty in downtown Ann Arbor. The event is free, however, registration is encouraged. For more information, or to register, visit www.srtsolutions.com or www.annarborspark.org .

About SRT Solutions

SRT Solutions was founded by Bill Wagner and Dianne Marsh in 2000 to fill a void in the marketplace: Helping businesses that lack the in-house resources to get software projects done on time and in the most strategic way possible. SRT Solutions offers custom technology analysis, proof of concept development and software development. SRT Solutions' expertise is working with software developers on-site on their current projects, teaching them to apply new technologies to current projects. For more information, visit www.SRTSolutions.com .

About Ann Arbor SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is the driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location by identifying and meeting the needs of business at every stage, from startups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK represents all communities in the Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, the Herbert and Grace Dow Foundation, Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, the Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborSPARK.org .

About the Microsoft BizSpark program

-- Software -- Development tools, platform technologies and production licenses of server products for use in developing and bringing to market innovative and interoperable solutions. -- Support -- Professional technical support from Microsoft and connects you to a global community of business experts who can help guide you through the hurdles of growing your business. -- Visibility -- Achieve global visibility to an audience of potential investors, clients and partners.

  To enroll in the Microsoft BizSpark program, a company must be:
  -- A privately held company building a software-based product or service
     (even using open source code)
  -- In business for fewer than three years
  -- Have less than USD$1M in annual revenue
  Information can be found at: www.microsoftstartupzone.com .