The winners were:
“delphiprog” – Micropreneur Academy Membership
“linocus” – Association of Software Professionals Membership
“MISV” – Association of Software Professionals Membership
“Marcon Poles” – - Association of Software Professionals Membership
“CoreTech” – Educational Software Cooperative Membership
“Zopeff” – Educational Software Cooperative Membership
“rupert” – Educational Software Cooperative Membership
“Jonny Mike” – One-year of E-Junkie Services
“Reggiecasual@—–.com” – Press Release from DP Directory
“saturdaymp” – Consultation with Nico Westerdale of Bits DuJour
“thedadman” – Consultation with Hans Fremuth of AtlanticSX
“lumberjack” – Swift ToDo List 7 Ultimate from Dextronet
“ray” – Five-year code signing certificate from KSoftware
“leftofcool” – “Start Small, Stay Small” by Rob Walling
“sandywilkens” – “Start Small, Stay Small” by Rob Walling
“GBGames” – “Start Small, Stay Small” by Rob Walling
“Ted Jarvis” – “Start Small, Stay Small” by Rob Walling
“web_at_xcent” – “Start Small, Stay Small” by Rob Walling
“H_Code” – Better ListView & SplitButton Controls from Component Owl

Thanks to Matt Parker for helping out with the drawing.

Take a few minutes and give us your feedback on running a microISV!

The manuscript discusses the challenges facing micropreneurs, specifically in the microISV industry, as revealed through the 2010 microISV Pain Point Survey results. A preprint version is available on this website at no cost: Micropreneurs: Rise of the MicroISV.

Abstract:

Micro Independent Software Vendors (microISVs) are small software businesses operated by entrepreneurs who build and sell shrink-wrapped, non-custom software. A 2010 survey of these micropreneurs explored the challenges associated with building and operating a microISV. The responses revealed two major themes: time management and pricing models. Marketing also appeared as a major theme in five of the top ten responses: pricing models, blogging, Google Adwords, search engine optimization (SEO), and marketing materials development/design. In response to these and other challenges, micropreneurs have developed public and private virtual communities where they exchange ideas, discuss common problems, and build relationships. MicroISVs have also begun solving problems by leveraging new technologies – such as cloud storage and software marketplaces – from traditional businesses. Interestingly, many of the technological and business shifts affecting microISVs have had a similarly empowering impact on the book and music industry.

The manuscript explores the current state of software effort estimation models and techniques, as they relate to individuals (team members, independent consultants, microISV operators, etc.). The article also introduces a new estimation model – called SISE – based on a synthesis of a number of concepts derived from existing team estimation practices.

We’ve found several microISVs and vendors willing to sponsor the survey by offering their products and services, to be given away in a prize drawing. Over $2,400 worth, in fact!

At the end of the survey period, we’ll be holding a drawing for lots of microISV-specific prizes, like a code signing certificate, one year of free e-commerce services, and Windows .Net components. We’ve also got free memberships to the ASP, the Micropreneur Academy, and ESC to give away in the prize drawing.

The raw data, with personal information removed, is available in Excel format.