14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft, together with the Gnomedex conference, is giving developers a chance to win no less than $10,000 for building web applications leveraging the Live Search application programming interface. The contest, dubbed Code for Green, is focused on two types of apps, both equally “green.” The challenge is for devs to create either economy-oriented applications, or ecologically friendly programs. Microsoft explained that the green concepts spanned across both money, the US dollar in particular, and the environment.
“Beginning June 1, developers will be able to submit URLS for their contest entries. These Web-based applications must use the Live Search APIs (which are free) but can also use any other technology platform or programming language in order to accomplish their ultimate purpose: 1) To help people deal with the worsening global economy (Economy category); 2) To help people improve the ecology of the planet Earth (Ecology category),” revealed Betsy Aoki, program manager, Live Search.
The prizes come in hard green cash, Microsoft underlined. The Redmond company along with the Gnomedex conference are offering the winners in both categories $10,000 and a $100 Bizspark membership. At the same time, three additional finalists will be able to walk away with $3,000 and a $100 Bizspark membership. Microsoft informed that users would be able to vote for their favorite applications until August 12, 2009.
“Customer appeal is one of the key factors that will determine which five finalists go on to have their entries judged at Gnomedex itself. In the final round at Gnomedex, conference participants will play with the applications and determine the winners in both categories,” Aoki added. “It’s not required, but we hope winners will use their cash prizes to take their ideas further, hopefully into business and non-profit applications that will help make the world a better place.”