The contest bears some similarity to the popular game jam format, in which computer game developers crank out ad hoc offerings in sleepless marathon sessions and compete for prizes. The three-week time frame, however, makes for a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.

Canonical hopes that the competition helps to raise awareness of Quickly, and popularize the toolkit among developers.

Email Jon Gold at jgold@nww.com and follow him on Twitter at @NWWJonGold.

in Network World's Software section.