Compaq, Microsoft, and Intel Launch SpeedStart to Accelerate Internet Startups

Strategic Insights -

The three tech giants are joining forces to create speedStart, a program designed to accelerate the speed-to-market for Internet startup companies. This comprehensive program offers startups the products, services, and resources they need to help their growing businesses achieve success. Compaq, Microsoft, and Intel expect to provide information, services, and infrastructure for up to 10,000 program members.

Key Takeaways:

  • speedStart offers comprehensive services from business vision planning to implementation to ongoing support, including eBusiness Vision Workshop, Velocity Engagement Workshop, Readiness Review, Proof-of-Concept-Lab-Testing, Microsoft Business Internet Solution Centers, and Microsoft Developer Network.
  • The program provides access to industry-leading partners, such as Exodus Communications, which will work with Internet startup companies to rapidly deploy and host a solution based on Compaq, Microsoft, and Intel technologies.
  • Compaq will offer flexible financing arrangements, including lease programs, trade-in credit for other proprietary brands of PCs and servers, and recommendations for venture capital firms.
  • speedStart will provide affordable marketing resources, including free or discounted products and services, and extend the market reach through brand affiliation with Compaq, Microsoft, and Intel.

Statistics:

  • Compaq, Microsoft, and Intel expect to provide information, services, and infrastructure for up to 10,000 program members.
  • The program will help Internet startups rapidly deploy proven, scalable, and reliable e-business solutions based on Compaq/Microsoft/Intel technologies.
  • Compaq Financial Services (CFS) has committed $600 million to support the development of Internet companies, with a significant portion earmarked for qualifying Internet startups.
  • Compaq will provide startup companies with the names of recommended venture capital firms.

Sources:

  • Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ)
  • Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT)
  • Intel Corporation
  • Exodus Communications, Inc.