Microsoft sponsors software development program

Professional and student software developers are encouraged to join a competition to create computer applications that will provide “real world solutions” to various problems in the everyday operations of local non-government organizations.

The competition themed “IT Heroes,” and sponsored by Microsoft Philippines, challenges developers to apply their skills and imagination in creating applications that will help and benefit local NGOs.

Microsoft said their products like Visual Studio 2008, Windows Server 2008 and Microsoft SQL Server 2008 will be used to help the developers create and polish their projects.

“Our vision at Microsoft is to enable Filipinos to reach their potential. With ‘IT Heroes,’ we are following through on our commitment to spur local innovation and develop the local industry by tapping into the skills of our developers,” said Jojo Ayson, senior product manager, Microsoft Philippines.

“There are a lot of IT competitions being held here, but so far, we have not had a major search that challenges the skills of our developers,” said Ayson.

“We know that there are a lot of Filipino developers out there who have the capability and ability to respond to our challenge.”

Teams composed of three members each will be paired with an NGO, which will collaborate with them in identifying the organization’s needs and how these could be best addressed through technology.

The first category of the competition is open to professional developers.

The winning group will fly to Orlando, Florida in June 2008 to participate in Microsoft TechEd 2008, an annual gathering of IT professionals and developers all over the world.

In the second category, student teams will partner with environmental NGOs.

The top team will represent the country in next year’s Imagine Cup finals in France.