Join the Windows Azure Challenge

Microsoft is gearing up for the launch of the Windows Azure cloud computing platform and qualified developers will soon be in demand. To help build the Windows Azure developer community, Elance is launching the Windows Azure Challenge, which offers two ways to get paid for creating a Windows Azure based application:

• EARN $50 for each accepted application you build on Windows Azure and submit through Elance by December 31, 2009. Any type of Windows Azure based application including very simple or extremely complex will qualify.
• WIN UP TO $10,000 for the top application and $1,000 each for the top 5 runner up applications.

Reasons to participate:

• Every US Provider submitting a qualifying proposal will be awarded
• Build your Elance reputation and earnings and receive feedback for your completed project
• Earn $50 with a chance to win up to $10,000
• Qualify to become a member of the Windows Azure Experts Group on Elance
• Winners will be announced on the Elance blog and on a Microsoft blog
• Receive instant access to a Windows Azure Token

Earn $50 for Creating a Sample Application

• Use the resources on the right side to learn all about developing using Windows Azure and to download the latest SDK. Check out the training videos, support options and even the Front Runner Program which is full of benefits for early adopters.
• This Azure Challenge is only open to Elance providers registered in the USA.
• Once you are ready, submit a $50 proposal to an open Windows Azure Challenge job post. Find the open jobs by clicking the Participate button above or do a jobs search for Azure Challenge.
• Elance will provide you a Windows Azure token needed for your development. If your application requires it, we can also supply a SQL Azure token so just ask.
• We will award all eligible US based providers up to 500.
• Once you have created a working application using your Elance issued Azure token, submit the URL through your workroom. Once verified, you will be paid within a week.
• After you submit your first application you can participate again. You will need to submit a new proposal and receive and use a new token for each additional project which must be different from any you have previously submitted.
• Type of application, innovation and complexity will not impact ability to get project awarded or to receive the $50 project payment, but it will impact which projects win the $15,000 in prize money.
• You retain all rights to the application.
• All applications must be submitted through your Elance workroom by the end of December 31, 2009. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be eligible for payment. Payment of $50 will be made no later than January 15th, 2010.

Win $15,000 in Prize Money

• The top prize is $10,000 with the 5 runners up each winning $1,000.
• The application must have been submitted through the Elance system for a Windows Azure Challenge job post and be eligible for the $50 payout.
• Applications will be judged the week of January 11th for the $15,000 in prize money based on innovation, functionality, and use of the Windows Azure platform

Ready to get started?