Ask local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) what they really need and many will mention improved IT systems. Systems for managing volunteers or sharing information can play a big part in increasing effectiveness. Many NGOs believe, however, that such systems are unobtainable, as they require resources they do not have.
Microsoft is changing that. It is helping local NGOs make use of the latest cloud-computing technology to gain cost-effective tools that can improve their productivity. This is part of its wider 'Cloud Unlimited for a Better Hong Kong' campaign, which aims to provide cloud technology to benefit different sectors of society.
'We feel cloud computing will bring an additional value to a lot of users in Hong Kong, including NGOs,' says Winnie Yeung, Microsoft Hong Kong's director of legal and corporate affairs.
Cloud computing lets individuals in different places use the internet to access information stored on a central server, or 'cloud', administered by a third party. This makes cloud computing an ideal solution for NGOs, which usually lack the resources to run IT systems on their own.
'Many NGOs have started to expand their IT departments in recent years,' says Edmond Keung, chief technology officer at the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. 'But the problem is resources. To NGOs, IT systems are still costly.'
One organisation Microsoft has helped is the Hans Andersen Club, which provides services for children. As the organisation has staff working across Hong Kong, it is difficult for employees to co-ordinate with each other.