Gullivers in the lands of Lilliputs?

A natural question pops up. Would Gullivers make sense in the lands of Lilliputs?

The answer is simple. Sure, because in the world of technology, size may not just matter (either ways), as long as business sense operates.

Something that is better explained by Andy Harjanto and Tumin Chook, both Co-founders of Guppers, a customer that is all praise for Microsoft. Guppers is a cloud-based solution platform for business that allows companies to bring their services or operations to their employees, partners or customers, over mobile phone and online quickly, sans new investments.

Tumin Chook admits that when they started with Microsoft, there was a leaning, being MS Techies before, but talentpool and quick migration turned out to be important variables.

Push him to compare it with competitive options and Chook answers.

“Cost of storage, bandwidth etc is comparable to Google or Amazon. The thing that gets us excited is that we don’t have to learn brand new stuff. And add to that MS’s plan to extend data centre to Asia next year strengthens our reason.”

Understandably, since the launch of BizSpark in November of 2008 and in response to feedback from the community, the program has been expanded to include such things as technical training and the addition of products like Robotics and Windows Azure.

Ask Matt on how much of Open-Source impact can one read between these lines, and he confidently shrugs that off. “No it’s not a response to that. Plus, we know that our next generation partners should be cloud-oriented.”

The portfolio is going to be stronger with more tools, service-based software business and Azure. As to what geographical pockets of focus, if any, would this program orient towards, Matt tells that there are no atlas areas there. “Our sense is that local innovation can happen about anywhere. With over 100 countries covered, our program will next be available in ten countries and we would have our radars on for higher-potential start-ups.”

The program going ahead will imbibe new contours, now with the colour of Azure being a strong one. Chief among them would be individual focus. Microsoft BizSpark One is the latest expansion of the BizSpark program that seeks to accelerate the growth of high potential startups through a 1:1 relationship between Microsoft and the Startup.

“In this unique, invite-only program, Startups are paired with a dedicated relationship manager who works with them to promote its visibility, expand its network of investors and mentors, expose it to business opportunities, and develop cutting-edge applications. In some markets, BizSpark One goes one step further by forming Advisory Committees to help address common startup needs in those countries — such as access to leading seed and venture capital organizations.” As the company shares.

In the coming months, the BizSpark Program will further evolve by introducing a Community for BizSpark Startups and Network Partners, the availability of  assessments tools, and access to funding.

Looks like Matt’s confidence may shape up as the wings business nestling keep yearning for. He seems convincing enough when he says, “It takes a village to raise a child. It takes a community to raise a start-up. We may not lead this journey but we will make sure we play our roles in catalyzing it.”