Microsoft looks forward to assist Lanka adopt cloud

by Sapumali GALAGODA

One of the most significant advances in information technology (IT) today is the growing connectivity among smart devices such as computers, mobile phones and television. With the widespread penetration of mobile phones and other handheld devices that connect to the web, nearly four billion people worldwide now have some level of access to computing. At the same time the internet continues to mature as a gateway for cloud computing in which remote data centres host data and serve applications over the web for use across a broad spectrum of devices and IT systems.

"Microsoft Corporation is looking forward to assist Sri Lanka to adopt cloud computing to help the government to lower cost and help to change Colombo's administrative work" said Corporate Vice President, Chairman Emerging Markets, Chief Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer Microsoft Corporation, Orlando Ayala.

He was speaking at the two day forum 'Accelerating Asia Pacific 2010' held in Singapore last week. He also said that there is a 70 percent growth in the emerging markets.

Research shows that the worldwide cloud computing economy is set to grow by USD 200 billion over the next five years. Microsoft has won a deal with the US department of Agriculture which is migrating 12,000 workers to e-mail, web conferencing, instant messaging on the cloud.

Investments in infrastructure is necessary for national competitiveness and for changes in the way information technology is consumed. Cloud Computing is usage based, self serviced, scalable and efficient. It creates jobs, privacy, security, public safety, education, and transparency.

The evolution of technology and the advancing of cloud computing in the coming years was the main theme during the panel discussions. The panel discussions included themes such as Investing in students, Start-ups and entrepreneurs, Making technology accessible, Public sector in Asia, Education and 21st century skills building, The next generation of health information systems and Technology to protect those most vulnerable.

Microsoft focuses on four key areas health, government transparency, education and public safety. The company is also ready to make partnerships with non-government organisations. Microsoft is helping to stop human trafficking in Malaysia with the program called Stepup, from which 70,000 girls were rescued.

Microsoft has been operating online services for over 15 years beginning with the launch of Microsoft.com in 1994 and MSN in 1995. Microsoft provides over 200 online sites and services today.

Microsoft's partnerships with NGOs such as Npower, TechSoup and telecentre.Org have helped increase IT know-how and organisational capacity among nonprofit organisations globally. Still the challenges of understanding, implementing and sustaining complex IT solutions loom large in the NGO community. The company has taken a comprehensive approach to invention and innovation.