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."

Comments

distributed prize-money

[__aahlyu4518]

"the Sun Grid Compute Utility Cool Apps Prize for Innovation contest"
I think the prize money should go to those few people that can remember the name of that contest.

$100k

[sirinek]

That's cheaper than hiring even one developer on full time! Wow, Sun knows how to save some money. ;)

We have a grid

[Timo_UK]

and no idea what to do with it. Before we all get fired, someone please tell us why we spent all that money, PLEASE!!!

Re:We have a grid

[Fred_A]

Well, all you need now is Natalie Portman!

Oh, wait, grid, never mind...

Re:We have a grid

[D-Cypell]

We have a grid and no idea what to do with it.

Try putting an X in the center square.

Idle Grid

[Ritz_Just_Ritz]

If they've got this powerful cpu farm and it's obviously underutilized, why don't they donate un-rented cycles to something that helps us all (like the Folding@Home project)??? Seems like if they chose some sort of charitable recipient, they could even write the cost off on their corporate tax bill.

Re:Idle Grid

[Anonymous Coward]

The idea is to spur development of grid applications, not to give stuff away. The more people with experience of grid applications, and the more grid applications that exist, the more business opportunities Sun have.

Chances are Sun don't need any help with their taxes, they probably already pay as little as possible.

Re:Idle Grid

[xtracto]

But the objective of this things is to "show companies" what they can do with The Grid, they want to profit selling that service but so far just a small number of persons have used it.

The problem is the cost of this services, my University was trying to get some grid time from HP for certain project, the problem was that even though they had a "special arrangement" with HP, and because of that they have "cheap prices" the cost is just TOO expensive. And, This project was not short of money (it is a UK university).

It is (still) cheaper to pay someone to build a grid to use and then you will have it for other things.

Granted, if it was a Corporration they wont want to own and maintain one of this things but nevertheless the price is still too expnensive

Is Mr Right out there?

[Anonymous Coward]

Young, slim - but growing - Computer Grid seeks Applications. Must have own users and be willing to lose them. Prefer long-term commitment, but willing to accept anything. GSOH absolutely essential.

Our first date will be my first time.

Are you the risk-taker I'm looking for?

"This is a big outreach campaign"

[Dystopian Rebel]

"This is a big outreach campaign for developers," said Hailing MacIntels, senior director of futility computing at Sun.

"We're reaching out and we're saying, 'SAVE US PLEEEEAAASE!'"

Heh

[gentimjs]

I got dibs on making the sun grid talk too gentoo/distcc !! ;-)

My app

[suv4x4]

My application emulates a huge amount of monkeys on a Grid terminal, writing the winning application.

Now that I've started it, it's only a matter of time, *evil grin* muahahaha.

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 sungrid-help@sun.com 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 :)

Something Wicked This Way Comes?

[gurutc]

Is an Idle Grid the Devil's Workshop?

Winning app...

[Garabito]

Windows Vista!

Not US Only

[SloppyElvis]

Coolapps Contest Page

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.

Can't give away Grid at www.ubero.com!

[shodson]

Yeah, I have a grid of 6200 volunteers, and growing, but I can't even give away my compute services. There are only so many embarrasingly parallel problems out there.