Have you created a utility that runs on a Windows operating system? Can you code one quickly? See how your code stacks up against your peers in the DevSource Utility Programming Challenge!

The Challenge

Ziff Davis Internet challenges you to write a software utility that runs on a current Windows operating system. Your utility should help simplify, automate, secure, and streamline one's PC experience.

The utility can do nearly anything you like, though we'll give extra attention to software that does something especially useful, elegant, and innovative. We want to hear from you!

The Prizes

Enter your software for a chance to win the following great prizes:

Grand Prize:

• Round trip airfare, hotel, and tickets to 2004's VS Live Developer Conference in New York City, July 26-29, 2004!
• Your winning utility considered for inclusion in the PCMag.com Utility Library!
• A Smart Watch for MSN® Direct

Two runners-up will win:

• A Smart Watch for MSN® Direct

To enter, send an E-mail message to DevSource_contest@ziffdavis.com. Please include the following information:

• First Name
• Last Name
• Day-time Phone Number
• Your E-mail ID
• Short Description of your utility (limit of 500 characters)
• The location of your utility. (Please provide a location where Ziff Davis Internet can access your code, such as an FTP site or Web page. If no instructions for accessing your code are provided, someone from Ziff Davis Internet will contact you to arrange a method of transferring your code. Also, please let me know if you have any questions about this process.

Things to consider:

• Entries will be accepted from May 10th through 11:59 pm (EST) June 11th, 2004.
• Ziff Davis Internet assumes no responsibility for lost, misdirected, illegible or late entries or for failed computer transmissions or technical failures
• Limit one entry per person. Keep a copy for your records.
• All registrants must be 18 years of age
• All registrants must be a resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia

Judging

Winners will be selected by a panel of Ziff Davis Media staff members. The judges will grade entries using the following criteria:

• General utility and importance of output
• Scalability and elegance of design (including selection of appropriate algorithms and data structures)
• Clarity, efficiency and portability of implementation

The judges shall have the sole authority and discretion to select the award recipient(s).

Notification

The winning entries will be announced on the Devsource.ziffdavis.com site by Ziff Davis Internet on the following dates:

Finalist #1: between May 24th and May 28th, 2004

Finalist #2: between May 31st and June 4, 2004

Finalist #3: between June 7th and June 11, 2004

Grand Prize Winner: between June 14th and June 18th

(Grand Prize Winner will be chosen from the three finalists.)

Following the announcements, individual winners will be notified by E-mail or phone. An Affidavit and Release must be signed and returned within seven (7) days of notification. Unclaimed prizes may be awarded to an alternate winner.

Got Questions?

Contact Ziff Davis Internet at devsource_contest@ziffdavis.com, with the subject line of Contest Question. You can also ask general questions in the discussion forum.

Click here for the Official Contest Rules.

Note: this contest is closed. See the associated article, "...and the winners are..." to find out who went home with the prize.