Join the Java Tools Challenge- Make Java Great with Visual Studio – Over $80,000 in prizes

The 2016 Java Tools Challenge officially opened on Feb 1^st and runs through Apr 30^th.

Are you up for the challenge?

There are two ways you can participate: 

Create a Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS) extension that helps developers create, test, and/or deploy Java apps; OR Create a Java app (multiple judging categories) using either the Visual Studio Team Services Eclipse plugin (aka Team Explorer Everywhere) or our JetBrains IntelliJ plugin.

• Best Overall
  Best overall extension or app.
  $10,000 cash
  VSPP Premier Membership 1yr ($10,000 value)
  Visual Studio Enterprise 2015 Qty=3 ($18,000 value)
  Featured product listing on VS Marketplace

• Best VSTS Extension
  Best VSTS extension for Java app developers.
  $1,500 cash
  Surface Pro 4 ($1,500 value)
  Visual Studio Enterprise 2015 ($6,000 value)

• Best Android App
  Best Android app built using Java with VSTS and Eclipse or IntelliJ plugins for VSTS.
  $1,500 cash
  Surface Pro 4 ($1,500 value)
  Visual Studio Enterprise 2015 ($6,000 value)

• Best Web App
  Best web app built using Java with VSTS, Eclipse or IntelliJ plugins for VSTS, and Azure app service.$1,500 cash
  Surface Pro 4 ($1,500 value)
  Visual Studio Enterprise 2015 ($6,000 value)

• Best Azure SaaS App
  Best Azure SaaS app built using Java.
  $1,500 cash
  Surface Pro 4 ($1,500 value)
  Visual Studio Enterprise 2015 ($6,000 value)

• Best Student App
  Best VSTS extension or Java app developed and submitted by a student.
  Oculus Rift ($750 value)
  Visual Studio Enterprise 2015 ($6,000 value)

What type of Java app or extension should you build?

There are no limits to what you can build for the Java Tools Challenge. Here are some ideas to get your started:

• Integrations. Have a Java developer tool or extension that you want integrated with one of our Visual Studio and Team Services products? The Java Tools Challenge is your chance to build that integration.
• Functionality. Wish Visual Studio Team Services tools would better support your Java development? The Java Tools Challenge is your chance to extend our products and help Java development teams work even smarter.
• Existing App or Extension. Already have a private Java app built using the Visual Studio Team Services Eclipse plugin (aka Team Explorer Everywhere) or JetBrains IntelliJ plugin? Consider building a version to share for the Java Tools Challenge. Have a Visual Studio plugin or extension for Java development that you’ve built for your team? The Java Tools Challenge is a great way to share it with the Java developer community.
• Solutions. Is there an industry or business team that would benefit from the customization of our products? Help these teams unleash their potential by building a Java app for the Java Tools Challenge..

Thousands of developers have developed apps and extensions for the Visual Studio platform. For some inspiration, checkout some of the products that have been published on our Visual Studio Marketplace.

To learn more about our Java development tools and integrations, check out our website at java.visualstudio.com, follow us on Twitter (@JavaALM) , and like our Facebookpage.

Get Started and Sign up for the Challenge!

Are you up for the challenge?

There are two ways you can participate: 

Create a Visual Studio Team Services (VSTS) extension that helps developers create, test, and/or deploy Java apps; OR Create a Java app (multiple judging categories) using either the Visual Studio Team Services Eclipse plugin (aka Team Explorer Everywhere) or our JetBrains IntelliJ plugin.

Eligibility

This challenge is open to:

• Individuals (who have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence at the time of entry)
• Teams of eligible individuals
• Organizations (up to 50 employees)
• Large Organizations (with over 50 employees) may compete only for the non-cash Large Organization Recognition Awards.
• Employees of Large Organizations (with over 50 employees) are eligible as long as they enter the competition independent of their company and meet all other requirements.

Employees of Microsoft, Devpost, and contractors currently under contract work for Microsoft or Devpost are not eligible.

If you are employed by a public sector organization, please review the rules pertaining to prize fulfillment to a public sector organization employee.

How to enter

1. “Register” to access the submission form, receive important communications, and form teams.
2. Build an awesome VSTS extension for Java developers or a Java app using the VSTS plugin for Eclipse or IntelliJ.
3. Visit the Resources pages for VSTS extensions, Visual Studio Team Services Eclipse plugin (aka Team Explorer Everywhere), and JetBrains IntelliJ plugin.
4. Submit your VSTS extensions to the Visual Studio Marketplace.
5. Shoot a demo video and/or take screenshots of your functioning app. 
6. Create your submission on DevPost with a) Your extension/app name, b) VS Marketplace URL or link to your Java App in the "Website URL" field, and c) Banner image for your extension/app via the image uploader.
7. Submit early! (You can edit your submission as many times as you want before the deadline.)

Competition Judges

Paul Barham
Principal Program Manager

David Staheli
Senior Software Engineer Mgr

Brian Harry
Corporate VP, Developer Division

Jamie Cool
Group Program Manager

Brian Benz
Sr. PM Cross-Platform and Open Tools

Martin Sawicki
Principal Software Engineer Mgr

Judging Criteria

• Usefulness
  Is your app or extension solving a real problem developers have?
• Innovation
  Is your app or extension creative and unique given the other apps and extensions in the market?
• Quality
  Does the app or extension function as expected? Is it free of bugs?
• Design
  Is the UI intuitive and the description informative including useful screenshots?

Register now http://javachallenge.devpost.com/