Microsoft has announced the global availability of NGO Connection, a new online resource (http://www.microsoft.com/NGO ) for various non-profit groups around the world. Driven by feedback from non-profit partners and years of experience of working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the online resource is designed to assist NGOs to more efficiently use technology to achieve their goals as well as to encourage networking and co-ordination of NGO resources across the world.

The primary goal of the new online resource is to provide a convenient one-stop shop for technology resources, knowledge sharing, community building and real-life examples for non-profit organisations. By using simple, non-technical terminology, NGO Connection endeavours to make it easier for NGOs to access the complete range of Microsoft resources and offerings, and help them effectively use other online resources for non-profit groups. NGO Connection also will be localised into Arabic, French, German, Russian and Spanish in the coming months, bringing the resources of NGO Connection to an even wider audience of NGOs.

"Whether a non-profit group is searching for access to software or is interested in networking opportunities with other organisations working on similar projects or looking to engage with Microsoft and other partners on key initiatives, NGO Connection offers them a range of resources to achieve their goals," said Pamela Passman, corporate vice president of Global Corporate Affairs at Microsoft. "By providing a virtual workspace that is rich in technology resources for NGOs to inform, engage and collaborate with other NGOs, the new online tool provides a one-stop portal that meets their technology and networking needs."

NGO Connection also makes it easy for NGOs to share best practices and case studies, giving them the option of participating in an online forum where they can engage in dialogues about using technology effectively and share solutions to some of their common challenges. The goal is to help NGOs make the connection between their needs and how to solve them with technology.

"Technology is as essential for NGOs as it is for any business in today's networked economy. But unlike most businesses, NGOs typically lack the resources and knowledge to access the technologies that can make them more effective, efficient and sustainable in serving those at the margins of modern life," said Rebecca Masisak, co-CEO of TechSoup, a trusted technology resource for the non-profit community. "Microsoft's new portal, NGO Connection, is a well-organised, user-friendly and comprehensive guide to the free, the donated and the affordable."