Project Phoenix – Developer generosity rises from the ashes of the economy

It has been a troubled and uncertain few months since the problems with our economy started to fracture the careers of our families, friends and co-workers.

Recently, a truly inspirational project was launched by Microsoft MVP and community leader, Arnie Rowland - Project Phoenix.

In the past 18 months, I think all of us have experienced, or have known someone close to us that has experienced, the unfortunate loss of jobs or earnings as a result of cut backs and the need to “slimline the team structure”.

Arnie launched his project as a way to help and motivate unemployed and underemployed developers in the technology community. By providing free software and services, he is encouraging developers to take on projects for not-for-profit organisations in need of technical assistance. Be it a new website or a payment portal for donations. 

Once a week for the next 4 months, deserving projects and developers will be handed a slew of software tools, packages and tutorial material in order to help them create solutions for their not-for-profit organisation. This is generosity multi-fold – supporters help Arnie, Arnie helps developers and the developers help worthy causes!

DevExpress, among other providers, have donated licenses to this great project. Even more graciously, MVPs from all over the USA (and even one from Europe!) have handed over their MVP subscriptions to MSDN and the wealth of Microsoft products that this gives them access to. All this for a great cause.

If you are a developer who could benefit from this program, why not check out the information on Arnie’s blog. You’ll also find the first four winners and their project details for inspiration.

I hope you’ll take some time to drop your thoughts and feedback on this extended “Give Camp” concept in the comments below.

Arnie, you are a person who is to be commended for the great work that you do and the innovative methods that you employ to support your community. You are one of a kind.

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