Amazon is attempting to drum up interest among developers for its Web Services offering by sponsoring a contest which looks for the best business venture that makes use of its technologies. A first prize of $50,000 cash, $50,000 in web service credits, and a possible financing offer will be awarded to the winner, while others could receive up to $5,000 in credits for their entries. All qualifying entrants receive up to $25 in web service credits for participating.

Web Services from the retailer actually has nothing to do with e-commerce on the site: rather, the engineering and technology back end is made available for developers to use in whatever form they would like. Over 265,000 developers have signed up to use the service since it was launched in July 2002, the company said. More information on the contest can be found on the company's website.