Microsoft announces free cloud computing for non-profits

 

Microsoft has announced the global availability of its new Office 365 for non-profits programme.

The new scheme will allow qualifying charities, foundations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to access a free version of the cloud computing software.Officials at Microsoft say that the programme will be available in 41 countries starting immediately and will be made ready for a further 49 nations by July in 2014. This will help eligible bodies to more effectively manage their data and documents across global networks.

Qualifying foundations will be glad to hear this announcement from the Seattle-based tech giant as non-centralised storage was previously an expensive administrative difficulty for charities that prevented funds from reaching the proper targets.

Microsoft is well known for its excellent contributions towards charity and former chief executive and current board director Bill Gates has given billions of dollars to numerous organisations all over the world and is credited with playing a huge part in the near-global eradication of polio among children in less economically developed countries.

Jean-Philippe Courtois, president of Microsoft International, commented: "Today we are donating to non-profits and NGOs access to Microsoft's best-in-class cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools.
 


"[This will enable] them to spend fewer resources and time on IT and focus on their missions addressing global issues, such as disease eradication, education and literacy and environmental sustainability.

"Non-profits operate in the same way as any other organization or business; however, many lack the resources to implement the latest technology."

As it announced the Office 365 for non-profits programme, Microsoft also revealed it has - as a corporate body - donated $795 million (£506 million) to various good causes in the US and globally.

This is part of Microsoft's drive to become a more ethical company than its rivals - a popular management strategy known as Corporate Social Responsibility. However, despite any potential subversive motives behind charitable efforts, foundations will still be grateful for the free cloud technology.