THE LEADING EDGE (SOFTWARE COMPETITION)

Dear Friends,

Microsoft is giving you the chance to have the leading edge by completing your computation research project (i.e. animation, manufacturing design, video editing, data visualization) with Microsoft Windows Compute Cluster Server for only US$1/node! MSDNAA licenses will be available to all students (through their universities) participating in this contest which includes ALL Microsoft software except Microsoft Office. View this page for a full list of software inclusions http://www.msdnaa.net Areas of research include, but are not limited to: Engineering, Science, Biology, Biotechnology, Finance, Geology, Medicine, Mining, Computational Applications Development, Oil and Gas Exploration, Animation – Media and Entertainment, and any other field of research involving extensive computational calculations.

What is High Performance Computing (HPC)?

HPC can be broadly defined as the technology that is used to solve computational problems that need significant processing power and need to quickly access and process very large amounts of data. Reduction in the time of execution for a computational or data-intensive application is the ultimate goal of HPC. This allows businesses and researchers to solve difficult computational problems and do it faster than ever before. HPC is used extensively today in several areas such as financial modelling, computational fluid dynamics, and biomedical research.

What is Microsoft Compute Cluster Server?

Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 brings together the power of commodity x64 (64-bit x86) computers, the ease of use and security of Active Directory service, and the Windows operating system to provide a security-enhanced and affordable high-performance computing (HPC) solution. Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 can be easily and quickly deployed using standard Windows deployment technologies, and additional compute nodes can be added to the compute cluster by simply plugging in the nodes and connecting them. To read more about HPC and WCCS (i.e. case studies, benefits, uses etc.)
check out http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/ccs/default.aspx

Competition Categories

A. THE LEADING EDGE ENGINEERING Computer Science and Computer Engineering students have the opportunity to develop the application program running on HPC platform.

B. THE LEADING EDGE DIGITAL CONTENT All other students are being offered the leading edge by developing digital content (web site, portal, etc.) in any theme. The web site has to be new. Existing web sites do not qualify.

 It has to be based on Unicode

 It has to be based on Nepali language or other languages of Nepal.

 It can be on any topic, area of interest, etc.

 It will be judged not only on the design, the content, the technology used, but also originality of the idea.

The web site has to prominently display that this is a competition entry in its first home page and provide a link to the main competition site. This link has to be operational for one full year.

Judging Criteria 40% TECHNOLOGY USED (How well does your project make use of HPC)

30% ORIGINALITY/ CREATIVITY(How different is your project different from others?) 30% RELEVANCE (How does your project help promote technological developments today?)

Prizes

The following Prizes will be awarded for both the categories:

1st Prize : Desktop Computer

2nd Prize : Microsoft X-Box 360

3rd Prize : HP iPAQ Windows Mobile PDA

Winning school will be given 1yr free subscription to IT Academy*.
*includes Microsoft Official Curriculum (MOC), access to MSDNAA Microsoft server licenses and Microsoft office licenses.

How do I Join?

1. Sign up. Register at The Leading Edge website http://www.theleadingedge.com.np

After signing-up you should receive an automated email response confirming your participation to the program plus a limited edition Microsoft The Leading Edge T-Shirt through Microsoft MDP Nepal office for the first 150 entries (only if you register before December 30, 2007). Once registered, expect an email from Marrah Africa (marrah_africa@hotmail.com) with instructions on how to receive your copy of Windows Server Compute Cluster Edition as well as access to other software benefits through the MSDNAA program. You will also receive instructions on how to submit your project proposals.

2. Present your project prototype during the launch of Microsoft Windows Server 2008 (details will be sent via your email).

A select panel of judges will then nominate 5 entries that will qualify the grand finals and a chance to win the prizes.

3. Final competition will be held in Kathmandu.

4. The registration fee for each nepali participant is 75 rupees.


For further details, please contact

Deeplaxmi Pokharel,program coordinator, ph:01-2030399
PO Box 956, Unlimited Bldg, Khichapokhari, Opp Pashupati Plaza, Kathmandu, NEPAL Ph: 977-1-2011302/3 Email: v-allent@microsoft.com