I like contests - even when I don’t have the skills to enter them. Residents of Canada and the U.S. are eligible.

The challenge:

Create cool software and/or hardware add-ins for Windows Home Server to simplify the digital lifestyles of families everywhere—or just to geek out.

We are looking for creative use of a server as a platform, as well as useful, cool, easy-to-use, and solidly performing value-adds to Windows Home Server.

Prizes for finalists:

* Over $50,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs
* Six finalists (three in each contest category) will receive an invitation to travel to Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington to “wow” the judging committee with a demo of their add-in during the finals round of the contest

Finalist Prizes (one for each add-in category):
o Two (2) First Place Prizes. US$10,000 cash, mentioned on Microsoft web site, and mentioned in Windows Home Server developers blog.
o Two (2) Second Place Prizes. US$5,000 cash, mentioned on Microsoft web site, and mentioned in Windows Home Server developers blog.
o Two (2) Third Place Prizes. US$1,000 cash, mentioned on Microsoft web site, and mentioned in Windows Home Server developers blog.

AND: You’ll get bragging rights! After all, these add-ins can change the way people live (megaphone not included).

What is Windows Home Server?

Windows Home Server helps families with multiple PCs easily protect, connect and organize their digital pictures, music, documents, and videos. As a development platform, Windows Home Server offers hardware and software developers tremendous opportunities to build innovative solutions. Great for geeks, too.