David J. Barton
Microsoft’s Office 365 will be used by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as its standard communications platform to be used by its National Societies worldwide for greater licensing flexibility.
According to a company statement, the new memorandum of understanding expands on an existing IFRC global enterprise agreement.
The partnership, which aims to help national societies use innovative technologies like cloud services, could serve over 1 million volunteers and staff members.
“Microsoft is uniquely positioned to help create a secure framework for improved access to technology without compromising on capabilities or effectiveness,“ said Laura Ipsen, Microsoft worldwide public sector corporate vice president.
Microsoft“™s cloud computing technology and robust security features will help the IFRC provide all stakeholders with a world-class technology platform whatever the location and improve the delivery of new programs directly to recipients.
“For the first time in our history, all of our National Societies will have the ability to free up IT spending and time to focus more of their resources on the activities that are ultimately saving lives,” said Edward Happ, IFRC global chief information officer.
This agreement also addresses IFRC“™s need to provide equal access to advanced tools and technologies to all national societies to enhance efficiency and participation in the Red Cross Crescent Movement.
Among the 80 early-qualifying national societies, Microsoft Office 365 has already been deployed to the first two locations specifically in Bangladesh and Namibia.
