I'm a business software programmer by trade. Recently, two colleagues
and I had a great idea for a commercial internet site. The good news
is that we built it (in our spare time, since all three of us have
daytime jobs), and we're quite happy with the results. The bad news is
that, even though we have a couple hundred members, it's the sort of
site where we really need a large influx of users for it to really be
useful (think of eBay as an example).

The problem is that none of us know the first thing about marketing,
nor do we have the capital or time to really go down that road. So,
the way we see it, we have two options:

1) Quit our jobs and try to get venture capital so we can hire the
right people and do this full-time.
2) Sell what we've built to a company that has the resources in place
to market it properly.

We really believe in the idea, and have gone so far as to apply for a
patent for it. But even though we've considered #1, the reality is
that we all have families so we don't feel comfortable with taking
such a risk. So we're left with #2.

Specifically, we think Microsoft (yes, evil Microsoft) would be
interested in what we have to offer, since we fill a space they
haven't covered in their line of products yet. The problem, of course,
is that we have no clue how to go about contacting them, and we
certainly don't want to come across as one of the myriad gold-digging
requests they must receive every day. So, to summarize the question
into actual queries:

1) Does Microsoft have a professional request-for-acquisition process,
and if so, how do we get to it?
2) If Microsoft doesn't publicize this sort of thing, are there other
forums we can pursue? We've come across a couple but we don't know
which are fluff and which are for real.

Any help you can give us would be fantastic.

Hello -

I've identified and spoken with a specific representative in the
Corporate Development department of Microsoft, the area that deals in
business acquisitions.   Her name is Laura Cameron, and she may be
contacted at 425-882-8080.  Speak her name at the prompt, and you will
be transferred directly to her office.  Mention to her that you are
interested in proposing a potential acquisition opportunity to
Microsoft.  She will give you either her direct fax number or email
address, through which you can submit your proposal.  The proposal is
guaranteed to be reviewed and evaluated by the Opportunity Management
Center, from whom you will hear back -- either way -- on Microsoft's
decision concerning your proposal.

Your fax or e-mail should include the name of your company, contact
information, and any details you feel would be necessary to make a
proper assessment of the opportunity.

If you have any questions, or run into any difficulties with this
process, please ask before rating this answer, and I will be available
to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Thank you,

jbf777
Researcher
Google Answers

Search strategy:
- Executive listing:
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/default.mspx?group=A-D
- Contact made to offices at Microsoft

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Clarification of Answer by jbf777-ga on 22 Mar 2006 13:38 PST

A repost on that last link:
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/exec/default.mspx?group=A-D