“Hack Productivity” with Office 365 and Microsoft might give you a prize or two

6 min. read

Published onJanuary 13, 2016

published onJanuary 13, 2016

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For some time now, Microsofthas been building outOffice 365 to make a user’s central productivity platform for whatever device they are on, wherever they are. Microsoft has gone about this by implementing new sets of API’s for Office 365 and support for Add-in tools to empower developer’s third party apps to work seamlessly and deeply with Microsoft’s key productivity services. This has led tonew add-ins coming to Office 365with Uber, Boomerang, and PayPal being among the first.

Now, to help spur innovation in the use of these API’s, Microsoft is turning to the general public witha hackathonfor the next great idea on how to “hack productivity” with Office 365. The technology company is looking for your idea to work smarter and not harder with new tools for being productive in any area of life. And your new idea does not have to be limited to something that helps people get stuff done at work or school, but can be anything that aids people get things done in the life; for their passions, hobbies, or for their families.

The hackathon is runs until March 1st and anyone, except Microsoft employees or large organizations (defined as having 50 employees or more), is eligible. Microsoft employees are not eligible at all, and larger organizations can submit an idea for a recognition award but not for any of the cash prizes. In total, Microsoft is giving away $32,500 in prizes to the winners. Here is a look at what your next big idea for being more productive with Office 365 can win:

The requirements of the hackathon are fairly straightforward. Submit any application that helps users increase their productivity. The application must include a Microsoft Office 365 Add-in and integrate at least one of the Microsoft Office 365 APIs (Mail, Calendar, Files, Photos/Video, Contacts, or Microsoft Graph). Once you have your application, you have to submit the following three assets:

So if you or you and some of your colleagues have the next great idea for being more productive with Office 365, follow these steps to enter your submission to the hackathon:

Submissions are due March 1st 2016 at the latest, but the Microsoft Devpost team encourages developers to submit early. Submissions will be judged by a panel of five, which comprises two CEOs and a Managing Director from other tech companies, a yet to be named guest speaker, and JD Marymee, Enterprise Architect at Microsoft. Submissions will be judged on three criteria:

If you have any questions about the contest, want to talk to other participants, or are looking for a potential teammate, the Devpost team also setup a Slack channel exclusively for the Hack Productivity contest. You can access the Slack channelhere.

So if you have the next great idea for how to get things done using Office 365,sign up nowand win some cash and recognition for your productivity hack that could go on to become the next big App.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

“Hack Productivity” with Office 365 and Microsoft might give you a prize or two#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

“Hack Productivity” with Office 365 and Microsoft might give you a prize or two