Today Microsoft announced the first Azure Services Platform Developer Challenge.

Over the next two months, developers will have the opportunity to show off what they can do on the  Azure Services Platform

There are a couple of surprise twists to this challenge.  The first twist is this contest will have three winners – best .NET application, a top PHP application, and one more we’ll talk about in just a bit.  For the .NET application category, you should build a .NET application running on Windows Azure using ASP.NET or Silverlight to incorporate additional Azure services such as .NET Services and Live Services.  Incorporate other Microsoft, 3rd party services, or other cloud services and author a unique web, mobile, or desktop application.

For the PHP contest category … Continue reading…

You like little electronic gadgets? You have crazy ideas of really cool gadgets you’d like to have but you can’t find them anywhere? Is Gizmodo or Engadget in your bookmarks list? Through the Microsoft Dare to Dream Different Challenge, Microsoft invites YOU to show what your dream device is all about and bring it to reality using the .NET Micro Framework. 

Enter the contest today. If your entry is one of the best you will share in the $50,000 in prizes and numerous other benefits up for grabs. Interested in converting your creation into a commercial product? Win the “professional category” and automatically become a .NET Micro Framework business partner. You care more about fame than fortune? Win the “hobbyist category” and get the opportunity to have your device in a Microsoft marketing campaign!

See official rules for more details and … God Luck!