Microsoft hopes its new MSDN Connection programme will build relationships among local developers.
Members will belong to one of three tiers, says Microsoft’s group manager for developer and platform strategy, Doug Pratt. “Recognised” members will be hobbyists and some professionals; the “active” tier will contain more advanced developers, including those with Microsoft certification; and the “dedicated” group is for MSDN regional directors and “community influentials”, he says.
All levels gain free subscription to a monthly magazine. Active and dedicated members gain greater access to events and other perks.
MSDN Connection will be officially unveiled in New Zealand at Microsoft’s security summit events this month in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Pratt says the programme will encourage developers to discuss their work with their peers.
“It’s a way for people to get recognition,” he says.
Membership is free, and most tiers will be open to anybody, says Pratt.
“The only one that will be strictly invitational is community influentials. The people in that community have made a big commitment.”
MDSN Connection is already available in Australia.
The security summit will be held in Auckland on April 26, Wellington on April 28 and Christchurch on April 29.