Microsoft hopes to have its date with Guinness

With an eye on the Guinness Book of World Records, Microsoft on Friday launched its 18-hour long app development marathon, AppFest, here in the city. The AppFest will see 3,500 developers coming up with apps for Windows 8 platform and hopefully create history in the bargain.

Jon DeVaan, corporate vice-president, Windows Development, Microsoft said that more than trying to get into the famed book of records, the event is about promoting developers in the country. “Developers are at the centre of Microsoft’s success. And India is home to some of the world’s most talented developers. We are focused on enabling developers to succeed as they build the next generation of apps,” he said.

The event is a big draw among the students. “Of the 3,500 independent developers taking part in the event, about 50% are students from colleges across the country. We have not provided the participants with any particular theme or problem to solve. They have freedom on that front,” said Harish Vaidyanathan, director, Evangelism, Microsoft India.

According to him, the participants will have to build an arsenal of apps that would be a “natural fit” for Microsoft 8 platform. “They can come with any problem and then solve it. We have people building games, building apps for music, travel websites. There is even someone who is building an app for carrom board games,” Vaidyanathan said.

If the participants are successful, they will be able to go home with a certificate from Guinness, he added. “We are also recognising the best apps that are being built today. And the good ones will be available at Windows stores across the country,” Vaidyanathan said.

He lauded the students for the quality of apps they developed at the event and said they were at par with professionals. He also said they had come up with some unique ideas and creative apps.

Vaidyanathan said that for Microsoft tapping the talents of student community has been an ongoing goal. “We had similar programmes last year for college students and we will do the same with Windows 8 as the platform this year. A student can graduate from college and then immediately start their own app business. If you make two or three good apps, then you can make a comfortable living off it,” he said.