Wayne County, Mich., Establishes New IT Partnership – The State of Michigan, Dell, Microsoft, and Comcast Corporations

The Wayne County Department of Technology has established a partnership with the State of Michigan, Dell, Microsoft, and Comcast Corporations in an effort to reduce the gap between those who have access to computers and the Internet and those who do not.

Amber Doescher

http://www.govtech.net/news/news.php?id=91630

This project is called "Connecting the Partners." This program is a three-year initiative that offers computer and Internet access to thousands of residents throughout Wayne County. With the support and commitment of local faith-based organizations and community centers.

************

The "Connecting the Partners" program will open the doors of opportunity in the following areas:

# Access to Services and Information

# Employment

# Self Development

# Education

**********

Community Pledge

Wayne County has over 5000 faith-based organizations of which 2700 are located in areas without adequate access to technology. The pilot phase of this program will entail identifying a number of organizations, in various municipalities, and installing computers at each location.

To participate in this program, each organization must qualify. The minimum requirements include identifying a volunteer to be trained on utilizing a computer, and various Microsoft applications, and opening their facility to the community three evenings a week for two hours just to name a few. In addition, each church or community center would be responsible for any ongoing or additional costs, such as the Internet services.

Dell Corporation Participation

The Dell Corporation is transferring the ownership of all computers and monitors in addition to providing extended hardware warranties and technical support resources.

Microsoft Corporation

The Microsoft Corporation is donating all software licensing for MS Windows 2000 and MS Office 2003, in addition to their software engineering expertise to configure a solid desktop.

State of Michigan

The State of Michigan will be providing refurbished Dell computers to the program.

Comcast Corporation

Comcast will offer a discount monthly service for Internet access.

Measured Success

Wayne County will evaluate the program every 3 months to measure how it is affecting the community. The success of this program will be yet another example of how government and the private sector, Wayne County, the State of Michigan, Dell, Microsoft, and Comcast Corporations and the community can improve lives by "joining as partners".

For additional information regarding this project, contact the Wayne County Department of Technology at 313-224-6852.