Mobile, AL, March 28, 2016 – Rural Sourcing, the leading provider of US-based IT outsourcing services, today announced its second annual hackathon in Mobile, Alabama, scheduled to take place April 8th at the Alabama Contemporary Art Center from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. The event brings college students together to tackle real world problems with software and coding solutions.
Each team will be given four hours to create a project that has yet to be revealed. Following a presentation to a panel of judges, the first place winners of the event will receive a coveted paid internship at RSI, which has been recognized as one of 100 top organizations selected for Computerworld’s 2015 Best Places to Work in IT. Food and drinks will be provided to all participants and prizes are awarded every hour throughout the day.
Unlike traditional hackathons where solutions to hypothetical situations are presented and solved, this event will involve working on a specific project for a local organization. This year’s hackathon is inspired by an old school theme and will feature at least eight teams of three to four local college students.
“Every year we look forward to this event because it gives us an opportunity to see these highly skilled students in action and it allows them to meet and work with like-minded participants,” said Margaux Kaynard, vice president of human resources.
The panel of judges includes Tommy McNeal, the CIO of Hargrove Engineers and Constructors, Dean Parker, the founder and CEO of Vita Capital, Rich Sullivan the CEO at Red Square Agency, and Derek Perry, vice president, services delivery at RSI.
For more information or to register for the event, visit the RSI Mobile Hackathon page.
About Sparq
Sparq is the leading provider of outsourced digital engineering to develop great digital products and experiences, purpose-built for the Cloud and powered by data and AI. With an emphasis on high-quality results, speed, flexibility and integrity, Sparq’s unique blended onshore/nearshore delivery model maximizes cost effectiveness, clear communication and the ability to quickly scale. The company offers world-class solutions to technology-driven and Fortune 1000 clients in various industries, including Logistics and Transportation, Healthcare, Financial Services, and Insurance. For more information, please visit www.teamsparq.com.
Media Contact
Laura Reindel
laura.reindel@teamsparq.com

Sparq Named Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion by Disability:IN
Sparq has been named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion by Disability:IN, a global organization driving disability inclusion and equality in business. "We believe that our colleagues’ diverse perspectives drive innovation and create a stronger, more versatile organization," said Robin Stenzel, Chief People Officer at Sparq. "That's why we're so thrilled to receive this honor from Disability:IN, as it reflects our commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.”

Atlanta-Based Sparq Acquires 2 U.S.-Based Digital Engineering Companies
Sparq has acquired Charlotte, N.C.-based Kingsmen Software and Seattle-based Amplify Consulting Partners. This marks the third acquisition over the past six months, boosting the company’s capabilities and ability to scale for its clients.

New Research Report Looks at AI Usage and When Machines Should Take Control
In today's world where rapid decision-making can mean the difference between success and failure, artificial intelligence (AI)-infused products and services are stepping up to fill the gap when human action falls short. According to the newly released report, “When and Where the Machine Should Rule,” AI systems are swiftly becoming a top priority for companies across various sectors.

Sparq Acquires Fast-Growing Nearshore Digital Engineering Firm
Sparq has acquired Octobot, a fast-growing nearshore digital engineering firm that will expand our digital product development services and nearshore delivery capabilities.