Microsoft kicks off embedded SPARK 2010

During an industry address at the Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) in
Boston, launched the embedded SPARK 2010 Challenge, a new competition designed
to foster creativity and innovation among the embedded hobbyist and academic
communities globally. The embedded SPARK 2010 Challenge encourages contestants
to demonstrate innovative thinking within the theme of Fun and Games. The
program rewards those who are pioneering the next generation of specialized
devices, letting them use the embedded SPARK Challenge as a forum to showcase
their skills on the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 R2 platform.

“Windows Embedded is excited to emphasize our commitment to the embedded
market by introducing the embedded SPARK 2010 Challenge and rewarding the
innovation of the global academic, hobbyist and developer communities,” said
Scott Davis, Senior Marketing Manager-Windows Embedded, Microsoft. “Windows
Embedded is committed to driving the specialized devices of the future, and the
embedded SPARK 2010 Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for embedded
developers to showcase their skills. We are enthusiastic to see the innovation
that will result from this contest,” he added.

The embedded SPARK 2010 Challenge is a three-round competition offering more
than $ 20,000 in prizes. The contest officially began on Sep 22 and will
culminate in spring 2010 at ESC Silicon Valley between April 26-29, where the
three finalists will receive an all-expense-paid trip to present their devices
on-stage during Microsoft's industry address. Conference attendees will have the
opportunity to vote for the winner and award the three finalists $15,000, $5,000
and $1,000 respectively in prize money.