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, 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, International English, Russian and Spanish in the coming months, bringing the resources of NGO Connection to an even wider audience of NGOs.

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.

Commenting on this update, Rebecca Masisak, Co-CEO of TechSoup said “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. Microsoft’s new portal, NGO Connection, is a well-organized, user-friendly and comprehensive guide to the free, the donated and the affordable.”

Renu /ITvoir Network