Enterprise software available to eligible charities in New Zealand raises further questions

3rd September 2009

Dennis Harding

Charities and associated organisations often ask if they could have free software for their IT systems, or at least software which is affordable. There is of course, ‘Freeware’ but what about mainstream products?  Is what Symantec is doing in New Zealand going to be repeated elsewhere? If so, it would certainly be a pattern of corporate behaviour which would be welcomed in other countries. But this then raises the issue of if it becomes widespread, just how DO companies make a profit for R and D for new products? How far does this go?

Symantec Corp today announced that New Zealand not-for-profit organisations may now receive Symantec enterprise software through the TechSoup software donation programme. Symantec will donate the software as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. TechSoup will administer the programme which aims to provide software products to not-for-profit organisations for a small fee.

Symantec has donated software to more than 10,000 organisations in that time. TechSoup New Zealand provides donated software and hardware to eligible New Zealand charities, voluntary and community groups. Craig Scroggie, vice president and managing director, Pacific region, Symantec, said that through this programme the company will support communities in areas where Symantec employees live and work.
“Charities, community groups and voluntary organisations are operating in the same complex environment as businesses. Ensuring confidential information is secure and accessible is just as important to a not-for-profit as it is to a commercial corporation. We’re delighted that this partnership with TechSoup in New Zealand means that our software will help give these organisations confidence that their operations are well managed and well protected. That frees up their already limited funds to activities that benefit their clients,” said Scroggie.

Doug Jacquier, CEO of Connecting Up Australia, which administers the TechSoup programme for New Zealand in association with the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations (NZFVWO), said the network has grown by partnering with organisations that share its commitment to providing not-for-profits with critical technology resources.
“We’re looking forward to providing Symantec’s security, storage and system management software to qualified organisations in New Zealand,” said Jacquier.

See the full article: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0909/S00086.htm