Iron Software Launches Global Developer Writing Contest to Celebrate Human Expertise in Code
Great technology isn't built by algorithms, it's built by developers who solve complex problems, share hard-won insights, and elevate the entire community. At Iron Software, this belief drives everything we do.
It's also the inspiration behind our new Developer Writing Contest, a global initiative that celebrates original, human-written perspectives from the developer community and champions authentic technical storytelling in an increasingly automated world.
What the Contest Offers
The Iron Software Developer Writing Contest invites developers and technical writers to submit original articles that explore real-world programming challenges, document automation, and PDF workflows. We're looking for tutorials, case studies, and technical explainers that demonstrate genuine expertise and practical value.
Articles must be published on established developer platforms including DEV, DZone, InfoQ, C# Corner, or HackerNoon. With $10,000 in total prizes at stake, the competition offers a $5,000 cash prize for the winning entry and ten runner-up prizes of $500 in Iron Software vouchers each.
Our judging criteria emphasize what matters most: technical accuracy, clarity, originality, and community impact.
Why This Matters Now
"As AI-generated content floods the internet, we wanted to take a stand for authentic developer insight," explains Anne Lazarakis, Director of Sales and Marketing at Iron Software. "This contest celebrates human creativity and experience—the kind that comes from debugging code at 2 a.m., integrating APIs, and solving problems that no language model could anticipate."
This doesn't mean we're stepping away from AI innovation. Rather, we're responding to what our customers tell us matters most: security, control, and peace of mind. "Our customers in highly regulated environments need reassurance that their intellectual property and sensitive data remain completely isolated from AI systems," Lazarakis explains. "With Iron Software's perpetual licensing model, they get that security without the data disclosure requirements that come with many subscription alternatives, where you need to share your entire business plan to just get a quote."
The initiative also reflects Iron Software's strategic approach to meaningful brand building. "Developers don't want marketing fluff—they want to hear from peers who've done the work and can show how it's done," Lazarakis notes. "That's the most credible form of storytelling in tech, and it builds real trust. This contest celebrates the developer voice while deepening confidence in Iron Software's ecosystem."
Expert Judges
Our judging panel combines deep technical expertise with community leadership:
- Jeff Fritz – Microsoft Principal Program Manager
- Milan Jovanović – Microsoft MVP and Solution Architecture Expert
- Cameron Rimington – CEO, Iron Software
- Jacob Mellor – CTO, Iron Software
"Developers learn best from each other," says Jeff Fritz. "The most valuable technical writing comes from people who've faced real-world problems and found creative solutions. That's what excites me about this contest."
Milan Jovanović adds: "Strong technical writing bridges theory and practice, making complex ideas accessible and sparking innovation across the community. This contest provides an excellent opportunity to recognize that vital contribution."
Beyond Competition
"We see this as more than a competition," Lazarakis emphasizes. "It's a celebration of technical writing as a craft and a showcase for the expertise that drives software innovation every day. We want to give developers a platform to share their perspectives—and every reason to be proud of it."
The contest embodies Iron Software's conviction that marketing and engineering reach their full potential when authenticity meets utility and where exceptional code meets exceptional communication.
How to Participate
Developers can submit their articles through the Iron Software website until January 10, 2026. Winners will be announced within four weeks of the submission deadline on Iron Software's website and LinkedIn.
