By Greg Halbleib
NORMAL – The partnership is ramping up between the Town of Normal and Microsoft to help businesses through the well-known software company’s tools.
Town and Microsoft representatives outlined what’s available Friday afternoon. Assistant to the City Manager Ben McCready says a wide variety of businesses can benefit from the #MicrosoftNormal Digital Alliance.
“This could be someone who’s working with data, who is launching programs based on an existing platform or a mobile app that they’re attempting to develop,” McCready said. “But it can be a more traditional business, too.”
The #MicrosoftNormal Digital Alliance was announced last year to provide support to local entrepreneurs.
“What the program offers is tools that might work with analytics, data storage, cloud-based tools to really help manage a business as it gets off the ground,” McCready elaborated.
Microsoft is offering free cloud-based software, training and support through the BizSpark program. The alliance is also intended to advance digital literacy and promote science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, education. Information on the BizSpark program is available at Normal City Hall.
Greg Halbleib can be reached at greg@wjbc.com.
