Microsoft has announced it will provide technology products and support to both the U.S. Republican and Democratic conventions that will be held this summer. It will also sponsor some host committee activities for the Democratic convention.
In a blog post, Fred Humphries, Microsoft's Corporate Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs, stated that the company will continue its policy of not endorsing any political party or nominee, but will help both the Republican and Democratic parties during their conventions in July:
A year ago, we started identifying the places where Microsoft technology could help this important part of the democratic process operate smoothly. Based on our conversations with the Republican National Convention's host committee and committee on arrangements, we decided last fall to provide a variety of Microsoft technology products and services instead of making a cash donation. For the Democratic National Convention, we're providing access to similar Microsoft technology as well as some sponsorship of host committee activities. The Microsoft technology for both conventions includes Office 365, Azure, Surface and other products.
He added that Microsoft has held discussions recently with unnamed groups about theiir plans for helping both conventions but Microsoft will continue with their support as planned:
We appreciate that this year's conventions may have some more dramatic moments than in some prior years. This is all the more reason, in our view, to ensure that they benefit from technology tools that are used for a range of important activities, from helping to record accurate vote counts to sharing information quickly and accurately with delegates and the public.
