Microsoft Corp. today
announced the global availability of NGO Connection, a new online resource
for thousands of nonprofit groups around the world. Driven by feedback from
nonprofit partners and years of experience working with nongovernmental
organizations (NGOs), the online resource is designed to assist NGOs to
more efficiently use technology to achieve their goals as well as to
encourage networking and coordination of NGO resources across the world.
The primary goal of the new online resource is to provide a convenient
and easy one-stop shop for technology resources, knowledge sharing,
community building and real-life examples for nonprofit organizations. By
using simple, nontechnical terminology, NGO Connection endeavors to make it
easier for NGOs to access the complete range of Microsoft resources and
offerings, and help them effectively use other online resources for
nonprofit groups. NGO Connection also will be localized into Arabic,
French, German, Russian and Spanish in the coming months, bringing the
resources of NGO Connection to an even wider audience of NGOs.
"Whether a nonprofit group is searching for access to software or
interested in networking opportunities with other organizations working on
similar projects or looking to engage with Microsoft and other partners on
key initiatives, NGO Connection offers all the resources that they need to
achieve their goals," said Pamela Passman, corporate vice president of
Global Corporate Affairs at Microsoft. "By providing a virtual workspace
that is rich in technology resources for NGOs to inform, engage and
collaborate with other NGOs, the new online tool provides a one-stop portal
that meets all their technology and networking needs."
NGO Connection also makes it easy for NGOs to share best practices and
case studies, giving them the option of participating in an online forum
where they can engage in dialogues about using technology effectively and
share solutions to some of their common challenges. The goal is to help
NGOs make the connection between their needs and how to solve them with
technology.
"Technology is as essential for NGOs as it is for any business in
today's networked economy. But unlike most businesses, NGOs typically lack
the resources and knowledge to access the technologies that can make them
more effective, efficient and sustainable in serving those at the margins
of modern life," said Rebecca Masisak, Co-CEO of TechSoup, a trusted
technology resource for the nonprofit community. "Microsoft's new portal,
NGO Connection, is a well-organized, user-friendly and comprehensive guide
to the free, the donated and the affordable."
"This is the kind of portal Interface and other NGOs have been wanting
for a long time," said Christophe Devolder, Management Information Systems
Manager of Interface3, a Belgium-based professional development center for
women that provides free technology, management and language training.
"Everything is gathered in one site that is clear, well-structured and
user- friendly. I particularly appreciate the 'how-to' approach, which
provides real-world information on access to grants, online training
tutorials and technical support. I think NGO Connection will be useful to
many NGOs."
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize
their full potential.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
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