IT giant Microsoft has re-affirmed its commitment to local authorities in the UK with the launch of a new e-government platform and an extension to its schools programme. The corporation launched the Citizen Service Platform (CSP) last week at the Global Leaders Forum in Berlin, and pledged $500m support to its Partners in Learning programme. Microsoft's UK local and regional government sales manager, Manoj Shetty, said CSP would help local authorities join up different systems and deal with residents' increased expectations. ‘It integrates back-end systems and provides a better response for citizens,' he said. Mr Shetty said local authorities, such as Newham LBC, are now able to resolve 95% of inquiries at the first point of contact after integrating systems using CSP. ‘Technology can help local and regional governments increase efficiency levels and offer modernised services, but many are ill-equipped to meet citizens' needs due to a lack of funding,' said Microsoft international president, Jean-Philippe Courtois. ‘By incorporating past lessons and achievements, we will be able to provide these governments with technologies they can cost-effectively and easily deploy.' The corporation's Partners in Learning programme, which started in 2003, has now reached 90 million students in 101 countries, including a pilot project at two schools in Bristol. Microsoft announced at the forum it would invest $500m in the project, which provided free or affordable software and computers to schools around the world. ‘Partners in Learning is one of the ways Microsoft works with governments and schools around the world to help teachers use technology in the classroom to make learning exciting and relevant for the 21st century,' said Microsoft chairman, Bill Gates. Mr Gates added that e-government made authorities ‘more approachable, more efficient and more effective'.
