Microsoft and HP Team Up for Nationwide Y2K Week of Service

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. are joining forces to launch a nationwide "Y2K Week of Service" to help local nonprofit organizations prepare their computing environments for the transition from 1999 to 2000. The effort will bring together over 300 employees from the two companies to offer technical assistance to selected nonprofit agencies in 20 U.S. cities, including Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles. The initiative aims to support organizations that cater to vital needs such as housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and caring for the elderly.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft and HP will team up to launch a nationwide "Y2K Week of Service" to help local nonprofit organizations prepare for the Y2K transition.
  • Over 300 employees from the two companies will offer technical assistance to selected nonprofit agencies in 20 U.S. cities.
  • The effort is targeting nonprofit organizations with older technology and limited technical staff to adequately prepare their computing environments for the Y2K transition.
  • Approximately 100 nonprofit organizations will receive technical assistance in revamping their computing environments.
  • The initiative will use diagnostic software provided by WRQ Inc. and training tools provided by NPower to ensure that volunteer technical staff can properly assess and address potential vulnerabilities.
  • The effort is aimed at supporting organizations that provide vital services such as housing, food, care for the elderly, and environmental support.

Statistics:

  • Over 300 employees from Microsoft and HP will participate in the Y2K Week of Service.
  • The effort will target 20 U.S. cities, including Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.
  • Approximately 100 nonprofit organizations will receive technical assistance in revamping their computing environments.
  • The initiative aims to support organizations that cater to vital needs, including:

+ Housing the homeless (number 1, 1998)

+ Feeding the hungry (250,000+ served daily)

+ Caring for the elderly (service providers: 9,600+)

+ Supporting environmental concerns (number of organizations: 35,000+)

  • Microsoft employees will work with Hewlett-Packard employees and others at locations nationwide from October 21-28, 1999.

Sources:

  • Microsoft Corp. press release, October 20, 1999
  • PRNewswire