Unconventional Convention
Microsoft is helping make the Democratic National Convention more technologically advanced and inclusive than ever before.
Technology today is transforming American politics and political campaigning in many ways, as seen in the growing importance of online fundraising, Netroots activism and online video-sharing Web sites. At this week’s Democratic National Convention in Denver, technology is playing an even bigger role than ever before, with benefits not only for the 40,000 people attending, but also for the millions watching at home.
In a first for a political convention, gavel-to-gavel video coverage is available worldwide, live or on demand and in high definition, via the convention’s official Web site. This all-access pass is made possible by Silverlight, Microsoft’s platform for interactive Web applications and HD video, in conjunction with the Level 3 Communications network.
Silverlight’s advanced capabilities enable viewers to watch the proceedings and gain greater insight by accessing additional content. A picture-in-picture feature can simultaneously display a speaker’s bio and voting history, for example, or commentary from political analysts. Viewers can also easily share Silverlight segments with friends and colleagues.
We at Microsoft are proud that our technology is helping to break down the walls of the Pepsi Center, creating a virtual hall accessible to millions, everywhere. But this is just one aspect of our involvement as the Official Software and HD Web Content Provider for the 2008 Democratic National Convention — and as the Official Technology Provider for the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, as well.
Our technologies are working in innumerable ways to help ensure that things go smoothly in Denver. For instance, the convention’s vote tracking system is supported by Microsoft technology that provides up-to-the-minute vote tallies as compiled by each delegation’s chair. Microsoft also donated the customized software used to manage the credentialing of delegates.
Our Windows Vista operating system is the platform of choice for convention organizers, who are making extensive use of our industry-leading applications for business productivity, e-mail, messaging, content services and real-time collaboration.
Convention goers are getting help in finding their way around — and are experiencing a whole new way of interacting with computers — with Microsoft’s Surface technology, which serves up digital content in response to simple hand gestures and touch. Surface is being used in several locations as a “digital concierge” that provides attendees with the latest convention and local information, including transportation routes, restaurant guides and entertainment options.
We are even helping with efforts to make this year’s Democratic Convention the most environmentally sustainable event of its kind. We have deployed power-saving settings on all convention computers and are managing servers to minimize their energy consumption. We’re also tracking our own carbon footprint for convention-related energy consumption, including all staff travel and shipping.
During the conventions and beyond, we will continue innovating to create technologies that help people realize their dreams — including the nomination and election of their candidate for President.
