Microsoft sets record for software development marathon
BANGALORE, INDIA--Microsoft hosted India's largest developer event, the Windows 8 AppFest, over the past weekend and the app developers who participated helped the software giant clinch a new Guinness World Record.
As a lead up to the general launch of its Windows 8 operating system (OS) in October, Microsoft invited 2,567 developers to the marathon which saw them code for 18 hours straight. This, in turn, helped the company get awarded the record of having the "Most participants in a software development marathon in one location".
The scale of the event showed Redmond's commitment to the India market, considering it is the second-largest developer population in the world.
John DeVaan, corporate vice president of Windows Development at Microsoft, who was here to attend the event, said: "Developers are the center 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."
Bhaskar Pramanik, chairman of Microsoft India, added that Windows 8 will be "good for India" as it offers local developers a platform to showcase their works.
One app developer who attended the Windows 8 AppFest said the event was a great platform to learn about the features of the new OS. Yoganandh D, a Bangalore-based developer said while he has already published apps on mobile platforms, this is his first time developing one for Windows.
The experience was helped by the casual set-up of the event as well as guidance from Microsoft programmers and engineers who were present throughout the marathon, Yoganandh added.
Abhishek Baxi is a freelance IT writer based in India.