Microsoft Australia Partner Awards: Up close and personal with a Cloud for Good Award

Cloud for Good – what it really means to use the cloud to transform lives Microsoft’s mission is “to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.” As the reach and capabilities of cloud computing continue to expand, so too does its potential to support organisations working to advance social change.

Our Mission forms the backbone of the inaugural Cloud for Good Award at this year’s Microsoft Australia Partner Awards.

Cloud computing at the heart of digital transformation and its importance for community organisations cannot be overstated. Technological innovation is happening all around us. Our role is to ensures no one is left behind.

The Cloud for Good Award recognises a partner creating and deploying a cutting-edge cloud technology solution for a non-profit organisation to help them to be more efficient and more effective at driving their missions.

While motivations can vary, true transformation occurs when technology advancements are integrated into the core of an organisation’s operations through cloud computing.

One compelling example for Australian non-profits to embrace digital transformation is the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Many organisations providing disability services are realising that unless they can change quickly and transform end-to-end the way they operate, their organisation is at risk.

Many of our partners are working to future-proof these organisations allowing them to evolve and operate under this transformative new model.

We see many ways in which non-profits right across Australia are embracing the cloud, from creating a working environment for staff and volunteers to collaborate remotely; to developing service delivery models and apps that allow clients to more easily engage; through to providing security and risk management to ensure services remain operational during a crisis.

There are also great examples of the way easy access to data and cloud-based data analytics is supporting non-profits in responding to increasing demands to not only do more with less, but to demonstrate what they achieve with the funding they receive.

I see the Microsoft vision come to life when we bring the best of Microsoft and our partner community – its people, platforms and resources – to support organisations in a way that is truly revolutionary.

I look forward to reading your submissions and seeing examples where Cloud solutions are making significant impact for community organisations and helping to advance a future that is for every Australian.

 Anna Howarth | Microsoft Philanthropies Manager |  Microsoft Australia