Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a method for developing an asset by competition includes installing and configuring a master software environment for development or testing, and saving a copy of the master software environment as a virtual image suitable for use with a virtual machine. The method also includes receiving indicia of interest in a competition from a competitor, allocating a virtual server to the competitor and configuring the allocated virtual server with a copy of the virtual image, and providing access information for the virtual server to the competitor, thereby facilitating use of the virtual server by the competitor during the competition.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a method for distributed testing includes providing a testing framework for the distributed testing of software to a number of clients at least some of which have a different operating environment than other of the clients, transmitting to each testing framework a component for testing, receiving client environment data and testing results from each testing framework, storing the testing results and environment data in a database; and reporting the results of running the tests on the clients.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a method for developing an asset by competition includes installing and configuring a master software environment for development or testing, and saving a copy of the master software environment as a virtual image suitable for use with a virtual machine. The method also includes receiving indicia of interest in a competition from a competitor, allocating a virtual server to the competitor and configuring the allocated virtual server with a copy of the virtual image, and providing access information for the virtual server to the competitor, thereby facilitating use of the virtual server by the competitor during the competition.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a method for developing software by contest includes hosting a series of contests for the agile development of a software application by contest. In one embodiment, the method includes holding a contest for the development of a wireframe, holding a contest for the development of a static prototype, and holding a contest for the development of a working prototype. In some embodiments, the contests are repeated so as to iteratively modify the software application to better meet the customer's needs. In some embodiments, the working prototype is the final implementation of the software application. In some embodiments, a competition is held for the development of an application specification based on the working prototype.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a method for distributed testing includes providing a testing framework for the distributed testing of software to a number of clients at least some of which have a different operating environment than other of the clients, transmitting to each testing framework a component for testing, receiving client environment data and testing results from each testing framework, storing the testing results and environment data in a database; and reporting the results of running the tests on the clients.