PATH receives software donation from Microsoft to promote connectedness around the world

May 3, 2011 by PATH

The $3.68 million in new software will help facilitate PATH's move to the cloud

Contact:
Amy MacIver, 206.302.4522, amaciver@path.org.

Seattle, May 3, 2011—PATH, a global health nonprofit working in more than 70 countries, today announced it will be using Microsoft technology to fully convert its information infrastructure, thanks to a donation of US$3.86 million in software from Microsoft. The donation is part of Microsoft’s commitment to provide nonprofits with technology tools, training, and resources that can help change people’s lives and transform communities. The technology is intended for strategic infrastructure support, and will help PATH better connect with its teams around the globe.

PATH plans to use the donation to bring Microsoft products to its global staff, modernize the datacenter and server technology, implement proactive monitoring of its server farm, and ultimately move PATH to Microsoft’s cloud-based solutions.

“With programs and staff spread out around the globe, we’re constantly facing the challenges of connectivity and information sharing,” said Erik Arnold, chief information officer at PATH. “This new software gives us the option to move operations to the cloud. It will enable collaboration across the organization and with our partners, regardless of geographic location.”

The new Office 2010 and SharePoint 2010 software will enable better collaboration and information sharing across geographical barriers. Additionally, System Center Operations Manager will enable PATH to provide proactive network and server support, while simultaneously controlling IT costs. It is a critical element to help PATH stabilize its global network and infrastructure services.

“PATH is using technology to advance its work around improving global health. We have a shared belief in the ability of technology to help nonprofit organizations to maximize their resources and deliver real benefit to local communities,” said Akhtar Badshah, senior director of community affairs at Microsoft Corporation. “PATH is already innovating around using cloud-based infrastructure and services to enhance ability to support work around vaccine development, delivery, as well as other health systems. Providing this software donation will help PATH improve reporting, tracking and support of remote staff around the world, and will better enable those staff to access critical data and collaborate with peers around the world.”

This grant builds upon a similar $2 million grant in 2007 which helped PATH facilitate rapid expansion, enhance program impact, and develop the foundation for building a sustainable showcase for information services in the nonprofit sector.

You can find out more about how Microsoft supports nonprofits around the world at www.microsoft.com/ngo.