We already run a NFR (not for resale) program where we give Microsoft MVP's a reduced cost licence of our software.
We would like to extend this to the Java community, but I'm having trouble finding the equivalent program in the Sun/Oracle world.
Is there such a thing?
A license discount for Java doesn't have the same draw since you can download so much of the Java infrastructure for free.
I've never been aware of Oracle giving much away, so that's a separate conversation.
When you say "our", does that imply that you have a relationship with Microsoft that you should disclose?
I don't believe there is anything equivalent. You might consider a certain level of Java certification - but this is not really the same thing.
The only java awards I know of that recognize community members' contributions would be these, but it's so few people as to probably be useless for this purpose.
The closest thing is probably The Java Champions Project.
The Java Champions are an exclusive group of passionate Java technology and community leaders who are community-nominated and selected under a project sponsored by Oracle.
Members come from a broad cross-section of the Java community:
- Java Luminaries; senior developers; architects; consultants; JCP members; etc
- Academics/University Professors
- Authors of Java-related content (online & print) and industry conference speakers
- Community leaders: Java User Group (JUG) Leaders and the leaders of online Java portals
Since Java has been taken over by Oracle, I can say that the similar program like Microsoft's MVP in Oracle is Oracle ACE.