This innovative approach helped increase Microsoft's credibility among Open Source developers.

Seeking to increase visibility and recognition for Visual Studio 2008 and Windows Server 2008 within the Open Source community, Microsoft engaged the creative and content teams at iSoftStone for a fresh approach.

The project required a personal approach to leverage the social synergy of the developer community—building on the credibility of professional peers. In response, the iSoftStone team developed an integrated “Open Source Heroes” campaign highlighting “heroes” within the development community doing everyday heroic acts with Visual Studio 2008, Windows Server 2008, and other products.

The new Web site delivered verbal and visual impressions of real-world developers using the Microsoft products for Open Source work—including candid videos of these IT pros interviewed in their own environment doing what they love to do—further adding to the authenticity of the campaign. This innovative approach helped drive interest in getting developers to register for a Hero Hack Pack, containing trial versions of the Microsoft software.

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