For the GOP, Grand New Technology
On the convention floor and everywhere else, technology’s benefits are on display in Minneapolis.
Staging a national political convention is an enormously complicated task. Staging it efficiently, on budget and in a way that pleases all 40,000 attendees – that’s a real challenge.
Faced with precisely this challenge, the 2008 Republican National Convention named Microsoft its Official Technology Provider. (Microsoft also was the Official Software and HD Web Content Provider for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.) We’re proud that our technologies are working in many different ways to help ensure that this week in Minneapolis goes smoothly, productively and enjoyably for everyone involved.
Convention goers may be most likely to notice a Microsoft technology that lets them experience a whole new way of interacting with computers, while helping them find their way around. Microsoft’s Surface technology is a unique tabletop computer that 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.
Behind the scenes, we worked with the Republican National Convention to develop customized applications that help with some particularly intricate processes. For example, we developed a software system to track and manage all of the venues in the Twin Cities where convention activities are being held. We developed another system to track and manage all of the professional volunteers supporting the convention. Both systems were built using Microsoft’s .NET, SQL Server and SharePoint technologies.
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 and content services.
Our Office Communications Server is enabling real-time collaboration and communication via instant messaging, Web conferencing and presence – indications of a person’s current location, status, activity and willingness to communicate. Convention staff can find the people they need and click to communicate right from within Microsoft Office applications or within the browser. These tools are helping improve staff efficiency and reduce travel and paper consumption, in keeping with the convention’s environmental commitments.
Overall, our Forefront security suite is protecting information and controlling access to the convention’s computer operating systems, applications and servers.
During the convention, Microsoft also is supporting community projects designed to interest Twin Cities young people in civic and national affairs. We co-sponsored an essay contest for local teens, who were invited to submit essays on what the American flag means to them. The winning essayist, 15-year-old Victoria Blackstone of Roseville, Minn., was invited to lead the Pledge of Allegiance during the convention. She and the runner-up are receiving Xbox 360 systems from Microsoft and laptop computers from Qwest Communications. The winners and eight finalists are also receiving Zune music players and educational software products from Microsoft.
As we’ve seen throughout the primary season, technology is playing an increasingly critical role in electoral politics. Microsoft is working to help ensure that all participants in the political process are able to take full advantage of the benefits that today’s technologies offer.
