Microsoft GLF builds public-private partnerships

BANGALORE: The ongoing public-private partnerships are narrowing the gap of economic opportunity and helping build knowledge-based economies in underserved countries and regions, Microsoft Corp announced at the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) Asia in New Delhi, today.

Gerri Elliott, corporate vice president of the Worldwide Public Sector at Microsoft, opened the second-annual event in New Delhi, by announcing the debut of a worldwide network of Microsoft Innovation Centers (MICs), facilities designed to foster strong, self-sustaining local software industries.

In addition, Elliott announced that the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) will join the Security Cooperation Program (SCP). The program provides a structured way for governments and Microsoft to engage in cooperative security activities in the areas of computer incident response, mitigation of malicious attacks and collaborative educational activities to enhance computing safety and increase IT security awareness for a broad audience including government employees, students and the general public.

Elliott's keynote also highlighted how the collaborative efforts by Microsoft, local governments and other organizations have produced new training and educational programs. These efforts are further enabling digital literacy and access to localized and other technology, as well as expanding government involvement in technology-related security.

Speaking prior to the event, Bill Gates, Microsoft chairman and chief software architect, said, "We have a greater chance of accelerating social and economic development if we work collaboratively. Our shared goal is to help remove barriers to digital inclusion and enable people around the world to realize the full potential of technology - through education and skills development programs, community access, and the preservation of cultural and language diversity."

During the two-day forum, government, academia and industry leaders from around the Asia Pacific and other regions will explore how they can use information and communication technology (ICT) to help their industries and organizations remain competitive in an increasingly connected, technology-driven world.

"GLF Asia is an important forum to encourage dialogue between leaders throughout Asia Pacific in an effort to address our most pressing challenges," said Union IT minister Dayanidhi Maran. "We are pleased that Microsoft is working with governments to build partnerships to address the tremendous social and economic challenges we all face."

At the first GLF Asia, in Singapore in 2004, Microsoft had pledged to work more closely with governments and development organizations to extend the social benefits of technology to underserved communities.