Microsoft Corp. announced updates to its software donation program that makes it easier for nonprofit organizations to get access to affordable technology. In India, the network partner for the program is the NASSCOM Foundation’s BiGTech, which has provided more than 8000 Microsoft products, worth Rs. 9 crore, to more than 400 nonprofits since 2007.
Microsoft works closely with the nonprofit organization TechSoup Global and its global network to operate the software donation program in 35 countries, including India, where the network partner is NASSCOM Foundation. Globally, the program currently reaches more than 40,000 organizations around the world each year translating into over $3.9 billion of donated software since 1998 and is being expanded to enable more nonprofit organizations to request software donations when they need them at any point in the year.
“Making technology more accessible enables nonprofits to increase their productivity, reach more people and deliver new, improved services that directly help local communities,” said Akhtar Badshah, senior director of global community affairs at Microsoft. “Although we already help a sizable number of nonprofits, we want to help more, and the changes we’re announcing today are designed to make the program more relevant and accessible to a larger number of nonprofits, which will in turn have a positive impact in local communities around the world.”
The updates to the Microsoft Software Donation program include the following:
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Increase in the number of different Microsoft software products that can be requested from six to 10 titles to allow nonprofits to get the software they need, such as Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2010 and Microsoft SharePoint 2010.
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The donations program includes a new Get Genuine offering so nonprofits can ensure their existing computers are running genuine versions of Microsoft operating systems.
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Three new categories of nonprofit organizations are now eligible for software donations, including medical research organizations, private foundations, and amateur sports and recreational organizations.
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Previous limit of only one request per year has now been relaxed enabling nonprofits to request a donation whenever they need.
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A new section to the BiGTech website, Microsoft Donations Center, where organizations can review their donation history and identify products their organizations can request.
Rita Soni, CEO, NASSCOM Foundation said “Microsoft’s expansion of the software donation program and the Get Genuine initiative are taking NASSCOM Foundation’s BiGTech Program to new heights. This important partnership enhancement will enable us to fulfill our mission of bridging technology gaps for Indian NGOs, thereby contributing to inclusive growth. And it is our hope that the generous example set by Microsoft is followed by others in our journey.”
With such initiatives, NASSCOM Foundation aims to encourage technology companies to donate their products and services to make technology accessible to any NGO in India.
Source:http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/Microsoft-Corp.-expands-software-donation-program/5209019046
