Welcome to the Microsoft Partner Program

The SQL Server 2005 Front Runner initiative was created to give you a competitive edge by helping you to be one of the first to market with your SQL Server 2005 application.

Front Runner participants receive technical and marketing assistance to help build, test, and market their applications quickly and effectively.

• Are registered in the Microsoft Partner Program.
• Will have a SQL Server 2005 application built and tested by March 31, 2006.

There are only four steps to becoming a Front Runner�Enroll, Build, Test, and Market. The benefits are all yours.

You can enroll in Front Runner and activate your application on BetaOne right here on this site. Once you have done this, you can then take advantage of the testing and marketing benefits available for your Front Runner application. If you haven�t already, you can also sign the Royalty Licensing Agreement and get a chance to receive US$5000 toward your marketing plans (see details below). It takes a few weeks to process the Royalty Agreement. You will be notified on your Front Runner Status Page when it has been approved. Get started today!

STEP ONE: Enroll

Review and accept the Front Runner Terms & Conditions:

• Enrolling in Front Runner is easy. Complete the Application Detail form for each application. You may submit up to five applications total.
• You will need to review and accept the Terms & Conditions. Note: You must fill out the Application Details section before you can accept the Terms & Conditions.

STEP TWO: Build

Register your application with BetaOne Services and get your questions answered.

• Receive 10 hours of BetaOne Services technical support to guide you through the development process for up to a total of five applications.
• If you're new to BetaOne Services, you will receive an access code to use your benefit.
• All Front Runner participants will receive by e-mail a BetaOne access code granting 10 hours of pre-launch technical support specifically for SQL Server 2005. If the application/project is already enrolled in BetaOne Services for SQL Server 2005, use this new access code, go to the "Request For More Service Hours" section on the BetaOne Web site and apply for your additional 10 hours.
• Be sure to use the same application name for Front Runner that was used for BetaOne Services.

STEP THREE: Test

Test your application with VeriTest.

• You will receive one VeriTest voucher to enable you to take the SQL Server 2005 Platform Test�a US$800 value.
• If you have more than one application, you will be provided a special promotion code for a 50 percent discount on testing up to four additional applications.
• If you�d like to find out more about the testing process, visit VeriTest now.

STEP FOUR: Market

Complete both the Build and Test phases and receive these marketing tools to help you market your application.

Front Runner Stamp

• Using the Front Runner Stamp on your packaging and marketing materials distinguishes you from your competition and communicates clearly to your customers that your applications are built on SQL Server 2005.
• Use of the stamp is subject to Usage Guidelines.

Front Runner PR Toolkit

• Receive a customizable, professional press release template to maximize your customer outreach.
• Use the included Microsoft quote to show support for your SQL Server 2005 product.

Front Runner Customizable Collateral

• Target your market with a customizable postcard template available through Microsoft Marketing Services for Partners online.
• You will receive 750 complimentary postcards and a 50 percent discount on additional printing and on all shipping charges.

Be included in a Microsoft trade publication ad

• You have the option of including your company name along with other Front Runner participants in a single page Microsoft publication trade ad.
• The ad will run after the March 31, 2006 conclusion of the Front Runner initiative.

200 eligible Front Runner ISVs will receive US$5,000 in marketing funds

• The first 200 qualifying ISVs to also sign a new ISV Royalty Licensing Agreement, will receive US$5,000 to use toward marketing their application.
• To receive the funds, you must be a new participant in the ISV Royalty Licensing program, submit an online marketing template outlining your marketing plan, and agree to report back your post-campaign marketing results.
• Please note: It takes a few weeks to process your ISV Royalty Licensing Agreement. You will be notified on your Front Runner Status Page when it is approved. Once you have completed the build and test requirements and your ISV Royalty Licensing Agreement has been verified, you will be notified via e-mail on how to submit a marketing plan for your application and initiate the distribution of your marketing funds.