Intel® Black Belt Software Developers - FAQs

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May 27, 2009 12:00 AM PDT


Who can become a Black Belt?
This is a title for community members who demonstrate outstanding expertise on Intel technologies and enrich our communities by regularly sharing their knowledge and expertise, providing help & support in the discussion forums, submitting content such as articles and participating in the communities. It is recognition of the community leadership and contribution by these members.

Which communities are considered while selecting members for this title?
All Intel Software Network communities are included in this program. Find a complete list of our communities here.

What are the benefits of being a Black Belt Software Developer?
This is the highest level of recognition on the Intel Software Network communities and is associated with the following benefits:

  • Welcome gift: jacket OR laptop bag with Intel logo

  • An award honoring their status as a Black Belt on Intel® Software Network communities

  • One laptop with a high-end Intel® microprocessor available at that time (awarded the first time a developer qualifies as  Black Belt developer, not awarded everytime a developer qualifies)

  • Licenses to select Intel® Software Development Products

  • Personal profile featured on our 'Hall of fame' recognition page

  • Personal profile covered in our newsletter along with an interview/ video interview published on the communities

  • Pass to IDF & Opportunity to meet Intel engineers at 'meet & greet' Intel events & seminars

  • Opportunity to host a blog on Intel Software Network


What are the criteria for selection of Black Belt Software Developers?
Community members at Intel Software Network are selected for the Black Belt title based on quality and quantity of contribution i.e. the technical expertise; community leadership and support members bring to Intel Software Network communities. Specific criteria considered while selecting members include:

  • Technical expertise

  • Regular discussion forum activity

  • Guidance and support provided to other community members

  • Submission of content/ white papers

  • Overall community participation


Typically Black Belt Software Developers will be nominated from amongst members with Brown Belt Software Developer status, however this is not mandatory. Members can also be nominated directly to a Black Belt level based on exceptional community leadership.

What is the process of selection?
To ensure a rigorous and robust selection process for the Intel Black Belt Software Developer title, we have instituted a selection committee consisting of our community managers, tools experts, and application engineers. This committee meets once every month to nominate new members and review, validate the level of contributions of these members for the past one year. Black Belt Software Developers are selected by this committee based on the criteria listed above.

Are Intel employees also selected for this title?
Although Intel employees who are members of Intel Software Network communities can be awarded the title, employees are not eligible for any of the benefits associated with the title.

What is the lifetime of the Award?
The Intel Black Belt Software Developer Award lasts for the duration of one year.

How do I contact the team?
For any further clarifications/ questions, drop a note here or you can leave a comment on my blog here. I would love to hear from you on this recognition, the criteria, benefits and more. What do you think we can do better? What would you like to see as part of recognition?

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