Can you solve this Microsoft puzzle? |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Apps that waste your time (in a good way): Execs' addictions
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
- Analyst sees 7-inch iPad in Apple future
- Check out this app: Executives list the ones they use most
Mass High Tech
- Microsoft Build: Windows 8 preview a hit, but are investors unhappy?
- Build an app in a day at Mobile App Hackathon
- Beefed-up Skype for Windows; Indie author joins Amazon's 'Kindle Million Club'
- Only solution to Xbox 360 update error is new console
- Ballmer: Windows Phone update 'Mango' has over 500 new features
Can you solve this Microsoft puzzle?
Microsoft has spent the day doing its best to stump 1,400 college students around the country. The company is holding its fifth annual College Puzzle Challenge, a competition for computer engineering, computer science and math students at 18 universities. Working in teams of four, they've been trying to solve a series of puzzles since 9 a.m. Pacific time.
The puzzle pictured here is one of three Microsoft gave the students in advance, to get them started. The clue is a memo in which a fictional company tells its employees that its board "has identified the following companies that could lead to strategic mergers." The clue continues, "Please evaluate them and help determine which order we should go after these companies. After finding the appropriate order, we’ll read down the list and see if anything stands out."
Can you solve it? The answer is a single word. If you think you've figured it out, post your solution in the comments below.
[Update: I won't give away the answer, for anyone still working to solve it, but suffice it to say that you guys know what you're doing, based on some of the comments. If you've cracked this one, here's another.]
[Update II: Here are the solutions to this and the second puzzle.]
Microsoft, which competes against Google and others for top computer-science talent, uses the event to supplement its traditional college recruiting efforts. Teams compete for gift certificates and Xbox products, but winning isn't easy. When I stopped by the University of Washington today, some of the students were impressed with how challenging the puzzles were.
"We did get one in the first 15 minutes, but it's been pretty slow going since then," said Brent Couvrette, 20, a UW computer science major from Woodinville. The students submit their answers via computer as they proceed, so they know when they get one right.
Other participating schools include Carnegie Mellon, MIT and Stanford. The competition goes on for 12 straight hours, ending at 9 tonight Pacific time, and midnight on the East Coast.
[Clockwise from upper left] UW computer science students Brent Couvrette, Yuki Liang, Steven Kwan and Emma Lynch participate in Microsoft's College Puzzle Challenge today.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
