Despite the challenging economic conditions, it is still worth considering a startup, if you've got the idea, the market and determination and ability to see it through.

There are a whole lot of pitfalls, though. That's the reason why most startups fail inside their first year, even with a healthy global economic outlook. One of the main reasons Ythos exists is to help entrepreneurs and their organizations identify those pitfalls and bring together the right business and technical skills to execute successfully, and come out the other side with a better, stronger business, well positioned to take advantage when the situation improves.

Guy Kawasaki has a couple of excellent blogs about the top 10 lies told by entrepreneurs and VCs. On the entrepreneurs' list, number 9 is particular apposite - "We have a proven management team." The reality is that we may all have been successful doing something in the past, but we're not fighting that battle this time around: the more support and advice you can get, from people who've been through the mill, the greater the chance of success.

To that end, Microsoft has created a new program - Microsoft® BizSpark™ - which is designed to help out in this way.

Here's what they have to say about it:

"Ignite your startup by enrolling in Microsoft® BizSpark™, a new global program designed to accelerate the success of early stage Startups.  BizSpark provides fast, easy access to current full-featured Microsoft development tools and production licenses of server products; professional technical support from Microsoft; and connections to a global community of business experts who can help guide you through the hurdles of growing your business. Microsoft BizSpark's requirements are minimal, and there are no upfront costs to enrollment. So get fired up and visit the Microsoft Startup Zone to learn more!"

Eligibility requirements for startups are minimal: If you're a privately held company building a software-based product or service (even using open source code), in business for fewer than three years, and with less than USD$1M in annual revenue, you're in! To actually join BizSpark, you must be sponsored by a BizSpark Network Partner.

We're really pleased to say that Microsoft have selected Ythos as a Network Partner for this program - you can read our press announcement here.

As part of our activities around BizSpark, we'll be publishing a whitepaper some time in the next few weeks about some practicalities of starting up and developing a new technology business. We want to develop this into a conversation with people who have an interest in the challenges facing technology SMEs over the next few years.

And if you've got a great startup idea, then don't hesitate to contact us - bizsparkenquiry@ythos.net.