Microsoft, Others Pledge Katrina Relief
Microsoft is donating money and resources to aid the recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, including nearly $1 million in cash and the loaning of three buses equipped with satellite systems to aid in emergency communications.
Microsoft says it is working with state and local governments, as well as businesses and educational institutions, to repair damaged IT infrastructure. Also, the company is assisting the Red Cross in developing a technology plan to ensure smooth communications between the organization's 240 relief centers.
Intel, Cisco and SBC Communications are also participating in the effort to build reliable communication systems throughout the Red Cross network.
Employees of Microsoft are stepping up to the challenge as well, donating money to non-profit organizations with the company providing matching donations. Also, Microsoft said that employees were volunteering at Red Cross centers across the nation.
Microsoft has additionally pledged ad space across its network of Web properties to encourage donations from its users to various non-profit relief organizations.
But Microsoft is not the only technology company donating money and supplies to the victims of Katrina - several other companies have announced their plans as well.
Comcast will donate $10 million in advertising space to non-profit organizations asking for donations for hurricane relief. Qwest has sent 2,000 calling cards so refugees could call home and tell loved ones they're okay.
The Intel Foundation has pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross, and would match employee contributions during the month of September.
Several wireless companies have also indicated that they have repaired towers in New Orleans damaged by the storm. T-Mobile recently announced it had restored service to most of downtown and the French Quarter, and opened up its network to most GSM phones regardless of provider.
Nextel is donating 3,000 walkie-talkie phones to first responders to aid in the recovery effort.