Sun Announces $100k Contest for Grid App Developers

C-Shalom writes "EWeek reports that Sun announced a contest where developers can compete for $100k in prizes for developing applications that utilize the Grid. This is in addition to 100 free CPU hours on the Grid. From the article: 'Sun is hosting a competition where developers can compete for $50,000 in prize money. The winners of the Sun Grid Compute Utility Cool Apps Prize for Innovation contest will be determined based on the software they develop on the grid, MacRunnels said. Sun is planning additional contests for later in the year, which will bring the total potential winnings to $100,000.' The press release contains more info not included in the article."

US only

[goldaryn]

Not 100% clear from article or TFA: only available to US-based customers.. (TFA says the service itself is US-based with plans to expand)

I get:

We are not able to grant you access to the Sun Grid Compute Utility. The service is currently only available to users located in the United States. If you feel this message is in error, or you have questions about service availabliity in your area, contact Sun Grid Customer Care at [e-mail] and reference this service code(s): 9024

Shame.

Re:Poor old Sun.

[twiddlingbits]

First of all there is a LOT of interest in the platform, and it is being used quite a bit already, but that still only scratches the surface of what COULD be done. BTW, it won't run Blackjack as applications requiring user-interaction are not supported. Of course it could run a Monte-Carlo simulation of say 1M Blackjack games and tell you what your winnings would be :)

Not US Only

[SloppyElvis]

Coolapps Contest Page [network.com]

The linked page actually explains the contest. International contestants can use the Compute Server Plugin for NetBeans to compete.

Contest B

        * Open to both US and International participants
        * Does not require access to the Sun Grid Compute Utility
        * Contest submission must be developed using the Compute Server Plugin for NetBeans.
                    o This excludes C/C++ applications as well as Java applications not developed with Compute Server Project.
        * Contest submission must fall within at least one of the following relevant categories: Financial Services, Media and Entertainment, Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Energy, Scientific and Academic, Misc.
        * Contest submission must not require a 3rd-party commercial license to run.