In an effort to integrate more components into the Visual Studio .NET IDE, Microsoft is giving away free DVDs that contain a large number of applications pooled from members of the Visual Studio Industry Partner Program (VSIP).

The offering includes over 65 best of breed third party tools. VSIP's mission is the integration of tools, components, and languages into VS.NET's developer environment. The member-provided software is designed to accelerate this.

The program is made up of independent software vendors, systems integrators, academic institutions, corporations, and developers; members also offer technology for advanced integration scenarios, including VS.NET licensing options, co-marketing opportunities, and community-based support.

According to Microsoft, its customers can maximize their investment in Visual Studio .NET by using the various tools on the DVD. Products that are shipped include full versions and evaluations, which "can help save you time and money building applications for Microsoft Windows, mobile devices, the Web, and Web services," according to a press release issued by VSIP members.

A random sampling of companies and the VS.NET development tools they have provided, includes Logic Library, which is shipping Logidex 3.0.1 for .NET; Micro Focus' Net Express with .NET University Edition, AlachiSoft's TierDeveloper; and Actional, which has included SOAPStation.

This offer for now is open only to customers in the US, Canada, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. There is no charge for the evaluation software, or the shipping and handling. Customers can order the DVD here.