Developer Contest: Meet The New Windows Azure

Developer Contest: Meet The New Windows Azure

Windows Azure just got a whole new look and is looking to get your app in the Azure cloud. It just got really easy to deploy your apps to Windows Azure Web Sites from Mac, Windows or Linux with Git, and Microsoft is packing a lot of heat behind it.

We’re celebrating this launch with an extended developer contest and a serious prize package. You can also nab some free Twilio credit to kick it off here. Are you ready to build your next game-changing app on Windows Azure? Let’s get started.

The Challenge: Build a Twilio app on Windows Azure

Build an app powered by Twilio and deploy on Windows Azure to enter this month’s developer contest. SMS, Voice, Client, API mashup – if you can build it you can enter it. You’ve got three weeks to build something cool so think big. With these prizes you can keep your app alive and take it the next level with help from us and Microsoft.

Here are two cool apps built with Twilio on Windows Azure for inspiration:

This Earthquake Monitoring app tracks earthquakes in your area sending you real-time SMS updates. Available on Windows phone and hosted by Azure.

Flash Valet makes getting your valeted car extra easy by using SMS to text when you’re ready. The company is live in almost 10 cities and making sure you never wait in line for your valet again. Available on any device with SMS powered by Twilio and hosted by Azure.

The Glory: Launch Something Great

We know you’re ready to build something great, we want to help you get it in the spotlight. The winner of this contest will receive an awesome package of goods to help get the app to the next level. The winner will also receive a developer profile on the Twilio and Microsoft blog in addition to support for future. Check out this list of prizes:

1st place

• Up to $60,000 in Windows Azure usage over 2 years, provided by Microsoft BizSpark Plus (winner must meet BizSpark eligibility requirements, accessible to most startups)
• Twilio credit for 30,000 SMS messages or inbound minutes
• 1 full pass to TwilioCon 2012
• Promotion and developer profile on Twilio and featured on Windows Azure blog and via social marketing channels in July.

Runner up

• Twilio credit for 10,000 SMS messages or inbound minutes
• 1 full pass to TwilioCon 2012
• Promotion and developer profile on Twilio and featured on Windows Azure blog and via social marketing channels in July.

Getting Started with Windows Azure and Twilio

Getting up and running on Windows Azure is simple. Sign up for a 90 day free trial of Windows Azure with no charges or commitments. Once you activate your trial account, go to Account options and choose Preview to get access to the latest features and tools

If you are new to Twilio, sign up for an account here. New users can grab a cool 1,000 free messages or voice minutes here. Visit Twilio’s Quickstart Tutorials to build with Voice, SMS and Client.

We’re here to help, email help@twilio.com with any questions or to troubleshoot.

Interested in joining the Microsoft BizSpark Program? BizSpark members receive $3,700 in annual Windows Azure benefits.

Contest Rules

• Entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM PST Sunday July 1st
• Entries must use Twilio API and Windows Azure
• Entry must be accompanied by a video or screencast
• Entry cannot be an app that has previously won a Twilio Developer Contest
• Bonus points for submission to the Twilio App Gallery and Programmable Web