Welcome to the Software Design competition! This year’s competition asks you to use technology to help solve the hardest challenges facing the world today. You’ll need to be familiar with the .NET Framework, Windows Mobile and Windows platform among other technologies.
Microsoft Learning and the Microsoft IT Academy Program are excited to offer several learning resources which will help you prepare for the competition. While these resources do not cover every competition topic, they provide a wide variety of learning support for many of the Microsoft technologies featured in this competition. Access to these resources is provided at no charge to registered Imagine Cup 2012 participants, compliments of Microsoft Learning, Microsoft IT Academy Program, MSDN, TechNet, and Ramp Up.
Most of these resources require you to sign in using your Windows Live ID. Please
create a Windows Live ID if you haven't done so already so you can access this learning content.
General Resources
This year's Software Design competition consists of local competitions and a Worldwide Final competition. Each local competition may have unique requirements, while entries for the Worldwide Finals must include all of the "Required Elements" and at least one "Optional Element." The resources below cover some, but not all, of both Required and Optional Elements. Begin your preparation by selecting a resource below, or visit the
Software Design competition page after August 1, 2009 for more information about this year's competition, including a full list of Required and Optional Elements for the Worldwide Finals.
For developers new to C# and .NET technologies
Ramp Up is a program written by expert developers for developers. Use the free Ramp Up learning plans to develop and hone your skills on Microsoft .NET. Ramp Up offers guidance for multiple levels of development experience, so use the wizard to determine your skill level and get started!
