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Technology giant Microsoft, which today concluded its 'Code for Honor' contest, expects at least 100 new applications (apps) and solutions be available on its Windows Store over the next one month.
The Code for Honor initiative, which was launched in December 2013, was an event for independent software vendors (ISV) to develop commercial apps and solutions on Windows platforms.
The event saw participation from 2,000 ISVs and technology startups, of which, Microsoft awarded six today.
"We look forward to seeing more than 100 products to hit the market next month and we hope we will have this product more often. I can't commit to when, but I would like to do this every year," said Joseph Landes, general manager - developer experience and evangelism at Microsoft India.
"The Code for Honor initiative addresses the needs of businesses and governments with the creation of commercial apps across multiple form factors that helps them interact with their customers, partners and other stakeholders more conveniently and in a secure manner."
This was the first time ever that Microsoft had a coding contest focused on commercial or business apps, as most of the earlier ones were more consumer-focused. The ISVs that took part in the contest had to be in operation for less than eight years and have less than 200 employees.
"We see development of commercial apps as the next big trend in the app development ecosystem in India as it is lucrative and in high demand," Landes said.
The categories under which these ISVs were judged, included, Large Enterprise Solutions, MSME Solutions, Government-Enabelment Solutions, Citizen Services Solutions, and best solution for socual good using open government data.
Among those who won the contest were Bangalore-based Mystifly Consulting, Reverie Language Technologies and Appface Technologies, along with Mumbai-based Systsoft Technologies, and Chennai-based Avon Mobility Solutions. The winning teams received cash awards of Rs 2 Lacs each.
