20 August 2008

As we’ve seen throughout the primary season, technology is playing an increasingly critical role in the electoral process

Brad Smith, Microsoft’s senior vice president and general counsel Microsoft will be the official software and HD Web content provider for the 2008 US Democratic National Convention – held 25-28 August in Denver, Colorado – and the official technology provider for the 2008 Republican National Convention, held 1-4 September in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“As we’ve seen throughout the primary season, technology is playing an increasingly critical role in the electoral process,” said Brad Smith, Microsoft’s senior vice president and general counsel. “Microsoft will help ensure that both parties’ delegates are able to take full advantage of the benefits that today’s technologies offer."

For the US Republican National Convention, Microsoft is creating collaborative virtual workspaces, a volunteer management system and a venue-scheduling system. The electronic collaboration is designed to help the staff be more efficient and use less paper, in keeping with the convention’s green commitment. Convention attendees will also use Microsoft Forefront business security products to protect information and control access to online data.

To help the estimated 40,000 attendees at the convention find their way around, a series of ‘digital concierges’ will be available. Microsoft Surface computing technology will help provide easy access to the latest convention and local information, including transportation routes, hotel locations, restaurant guides and entertainment options for Minneapolis.

For the US Democrats, Microsoft has created systems for media registration, delegate tracking, vote tracking, credentials management and podium operations.

Additionally, in conjunction with Level 3 Communications, Microsoft will bring live, high-definition video coverage of the four-day event to a worldwide audience via the convention’s Web site. Content will include live footage, data feeds, pictures, speaker information overlays and a daily ‘pre-game show’ recapping the previous day’s activities and highlighting upcoming convention activities. These multimedia applications will be enabled by Microsoft Silverlight.

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