Sourced From: http://mis-asia.com/resource/cloud-computing/microsoft-delivers-cloud-to-ngos-and-schools-in-hong-kong/
Microsoft, in continuance to its several charity projects aimed at spreading usage of information and communications technology (ICT) to social service and education sectors, recently launched a new initiative in Hong Kong titled “Cloud Connect”.
The initiative will enable schools and NGO’s to address the constraints of insufficient resources and expertise. The company said 12 NGOs, schools and software developers have so far joined the initiative including the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.
On NGO Day, a survey by Microsoft and The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) was released indicating that 65 per cent of NGOs lack capital and talent or knowledge while developing IT.
It was also observed that more than half of the organisations surveyed do not take full advantage of ICT.
Although more than 85 per cent of NGOs use IT for e-mail, instant messaging and financial management systems, only one-third of them use IT for knowledge management, donor management systems and volunteer management systems.
Cloud Connect is launched to address these issues and help Hong Kong’s NGOs and schools take advantage of cloud technology trend as quickly as possible.
Sophisticated IT demands
Survey findings also show that NGOs are facing sophisticated IT needs and continuing resources challenges.
“Cloud computing gives NGOs and the education sector an unprecedented opportunity to clear the hurdles of resource pressures that have been holding them back from enjoying the productivity and efficiency benefits of IT,” said Peter Yeung, general manager of Microsoft Hong Kong. “Microsoft is committed to fostering a digitally inclusive and knowledge based economy in Hong Kong. Helping NGOs and schools to punch above their weight and enhance their capabilities to better serve the community is part of our corporate social responsibility. Today is just the start, and we are excited to see more partners from the social welfare and education sectors joining Cloud Connect to make a greater and more lasting impact on Hong Kong.”
Cloud Connect will provide charity pricing for cloud applications, including Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, Microsoft Live@edu with Microsoft Exchange Online, and Microsoft Business Productivity Online Standard Suite.
This initiative is aimed at ensuring the provision of platforms for digital curricula in schools and platforms for education solution providers to build, host and scale applications.
Cloud Connect will also deliver training for NGOs and schools, raise public awareness and deliver education programmes.
