VMware's Ultimate Virtual Appliance Challenge
Natales writes "VMware has announced that they will be supplying $200,000 in prizes for what they call The Ultimate Virtual Appliance Challenge. Big industry names such as Tim O'Reilly and Mark Shuttleworth are among the judges." From the article: "Using open source or freely distributable components and/or your own code, create the most inventive and useful virtual appliance and win the $100,000 first prize! The Challenge is open to anyone worldwide and will be judged by a panel of industry experts with input from the community."
There's nothing in the rules that says the thing has to run under VMware. So send in something that runs under Xen.
One requirement is "royalty-free distribution", so it excludes Microsoft (I bet VMware doesn't mind that).
I'm glad to see that VMware finally got an advertising budget, but looks like they blew it all in one promotion.
I applaud the application of "incentives" to promote enhancements in society. As the prize money is intended, the result should be a change in the way society works, or at least a change in perception. To date such prizes as the X-Prize and the DARPA grand challenge serve quite a compelling purpose... to enhance technolgy.
Examining Open Source Software's track record we see that it has made quite an impact on society; even producing a few "kill apps." But, what I am waiting for is the next paradigm shift or revolution. When will it come? What will it be? Will it involve Open Source Software? Nobody knows the answer to such questions, but I have high hopes that such prize money / incentives are capable of producing the next revolution in technology advancements. If not, lets hope so!
--Matthew Wong
http://www.themindofmatthew.com
After observing that W32.Mytob didn't run under Windows 95, I read up Symantec's page on it. Appearently, it can figure out if it's running in VMWare, and terminates if it does. I consider that inventive on the writer's part.
"Beware of he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart he dreams himself your master."
The documentation states you have to be a full time student.
The article and most documentation fails to mention this piece of information.