Q. I am having difficulty with Windows Live ID - where can I get help?
A. To access the Blue Sky Award Submission tool you will need to use a valid Windows Live ID that is linked to your current company e-mail address. To find answers to the most frequently asked questions about setting up and maintaining your Windows Live ID, go here.
Q. What is the deadline for submitting my entry?
A. You will not be able to submit any further entries after Thursday May 21st, 2009 (11:59PM EST).
Q. Can I submit more than one entry?
A. Yes, you can submit an entry for each separate solution you have developed.
Q. Can I submit my award application in languages other than English?
A. Your award application must be submitted, using this Awards Submission Tool, in English. However, the solution for which you are applying for an award need not have been localized into English, and your customer may be in any country and speak any language.
Q. What are the judging criteria?
A. All entries are judged solely on the answers you provide to the award questions - please answer these to the best of your ability.
Q. What do winners and finalists receive?
A. The winners and finalists will be recognized at the 2009 ISV Leadership Summit on June 4, 2009 in Mississauga. ISV's who are recognized as finalists and winners will be acknowledged in a media pitch. The winner will receive a trophy and a customized engagement plan to support continuing software development, provide accessibility within Microsoft and increase market visibility. Award winners can use this achievement to set themselves apart from their competition. This national recognition of excellence identifies finalists and winners as a select few who truly outshine their competition.
Q. Will my references be contacted?
A. By providing references, you are providing us with permission to contact those references when making our final decision. Other than that, there will be no contact with your references.
Q. Does the application have to be commercially available?
A. No, the application does not have to be commercially available, but should be scheduled to be in market by the end of calendar 2009.
Q. Can I see other entries - this would assist me with my own.
A. All entries are confidential and thus it is not possible to see entries from other ISV's.
Q. When will finalists be announced?
A. Finalists will be announced the week of May 25th, 2009.
