Microsoft collects Windows 7 and Win2008 R2 tester photos

Microsoft is holding a Windows 7 photo contest, targeting object betas of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. Five randomly selected winners will receive a small Windows 7 souvenir in recognition of their testing work. The call for the test is to show the testers their test environment, or to show their energy and love of technology. The files need to be in JPEG format and the entrant's name is marked as they did when they submitted a bug to the Microsoft Connect platform. Microsoft set up the machine to display the location of the testers who submitted the photos in real time using online maps.

The following is the full text of the emails received by the testers:

Windows 7 Photo Contest

Dear [Anonymous],

As we get settled with Our new team and in our new building we'd like to take the opportunity and ask for your help in introducing YOU to the new team! We have lots of empty wall space surrounding our offices and we'd like to devote a large chunk to Honoring our awesome Windows 7 beta participants!

We have already hung a series of computer generated push pin maps (courtesy of MapPoint) of participant locations and would like to supplement this with large collages of photos.

If you are interested in submitting a photo for us to use, please ensure you follow the guidelines listed below.

Photo Requirements - Your submission must comply with the following criteria in order to be accepted and qualify for the Drawing:

1. Your photo must be submitted in JPEG format
2. You must use the following naming convention: <(Connect handle)> EX: Jo Hn Smith (scrappydog90).jpg
3. You must email the picture to [removed] by COB on January 15, 2010.
4. The subject line of your email must be "Windows 7 Photo Contest"
5. Your photo must be of a high-resolution such that you could print at least a good quality 3" x 5" from it. (eg no driver license or passport photos)
6. Your photo should reflect you as a unique individual (eg no driver license, passport photos or mug shots)
7. You may submit more than one photo, however you will only be entered once in the drawing

Suggestions - Be Creative and Have Fun!

* Photos of you and your beta test environment
* Photos of you that reflect your specific locale eg well-known landmarks
* Photos that show your passion and enthusiasm for technology

By submitting your photo to us you agree to the following terms and conditions:

I hereby grant Microsoft Corporation the irrevocable right to use and reproduce for internal promotion purposes rel Eated to the Windows 7 operating system or other related Microsoft products and/or services, in the United States or elsewhere at any time, my name and my photograph or likeness. I specifically release Microsoft and its agents from any and all claims, of any And every nature, based on any use or uses of the above. I certify that I am over eighteen years of age and am under no legal or contractual disability to grant the rights and license above.

All successful entries will Be put into a drawing and five random winners chosen to receive some great Windows 7 SWAG!

We look forward to your submissions!!!

Regards,

The Windows Beta Team

Jura, Paul, Wendy