Microsoft invests in NGOs becoming tech-ready
View(s):Microsoft, in collaboration with Sarvodaya Fusion, recently conducted a seminar for local NGOs on the importance of adopting digital technology to improve efficiency and better serve their beneficiaries.
The briefing, ‘Tech4good 2016’ focused on preparing and enlightening NGOs on the digital transformation that the world is currently facing. The seminar demonstrated how local NGOs can benefit from moving project data stored on hard copies to the cloud and how they can utilise the digital world to engage in fundraising activities amongst others, the company said in a media release.
Delivering the keynote speech on ‘Digital Transformation in the NGO Sector’, ishanFernandopulle, Advisor to Minister Harin Fernando, Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure commented, “Microsoft and Sarvodhaya Fusion are determined to help us move technologically forward as a nation. As a developing society some of the challenges we face today include an ageing population, differently abled individuals impeded from employment and female empowerment becoming a growing dynamic. The Ministry of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure and Microsoft recently initiated a programme to aid 5,000 students in rural areas with computer science knowledge”.
Participants at the forum witnessed a live skype presentation from an Indian NGO who recently transitioned to the Office 365 cloud and were educated on how to apply and register for software donations from Microsoft. The discussion regarding software donation is aligned to the Microsoft Philanthropies announcement of a commitment to donate $1 billion in cloud computing resources over the next 3 years to 70,000 non-profits and NGOs worldwide.Resources include Microsoft Office 365 which comprises email, online document editing and storage, video conferencing through Skype for business and Yammer the instant messaging platformuniting project teams.Easy access to board reports and grant applications anywhere, anytime, with online storage and remote file sharing and a steady security framework is also part of the package.
Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, General Secretary of Sarvodaya, said ‘Tech 4 Good’ is a great way to educate NGOs on the importance of adopting Microsoft technologies and the benefits they reap from Microsoft. Currently, Sarvodaya is adopting technology in 26 District Centres, eight Development Education Institutes, four multipurpose community centres, 11 legally independent centres and focuses on technology in the Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning.