REDMOND, Wash. — July 28, 2005 — Microsoft Corp. and the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) unveiled an exclusive Web-based client-tracking database designed to help a network of more than 300 community-based organizations optimize their services for underserved Hispanic communities. The system, called National Council of La Raza Affiliate Client-Tracking System (NCLR ACTS), will help community-based organizations better utilize limited resources for client-service delivery by minimizing paperwork associated with the client intake and interview process. NCLR ACTS will allow affiliate organizations to collect client demographic data and maintain a comprehensive history of client services.
“Hispanic community-based organizations need to have access to the information revolution to help strengthen Latino communities across the country,” said Janet Murguia, CEO and president of the National Council of La Raza. “Our affiliates are effective venues for community and economic development in underserved neighborhoods, and NCLR ACTS will provide valuable technology to support their work.”
NCLR’s affiliate network of community-based organizations provides services to 3.5 million Latinos throughout the country. Affiliate organizations provide a myriad of services ranging from child-care services and career and business development to HIV/AIDS testing and counseling.
“Microsoft’s alliance with the National Council of La Raza is an important first step in a comprehensive campaign to enable Latinos to realize their full potential,” said Gayle Cruise, senior public relations manager for Diversity Marketing at Microsoft. “NCLR ACTS will provide technology solutions that help NCLR affiliates streamline daily office operations and improve efficiency in client processing, which will potentially increase the number of individuals an organization can service annually.”
Microsoft will configure, install and provide licensing for NCLR affiliates in two phases. The first phase of installation will target organizations in Dallas, Texas; Detroit, Mich.; and, Washington, D.C. Organizations in the second phase of the installation are located in Waltham/Boston, Mass.; Seattle, Wash.; and Tampa, Fla. Microsoft will assist the targeted organizations with the conversion of data from existing computer systems and software applications, and provide training for internal staff members.
The ACTS was developed and implemented using Microsoft® technology including SQL Server™ 2003, Windows Server™ 2003, Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services and Microsoft Office SharePoint® Portal Server 2003. NCLR Affiliates can access the system through the Internet.
“Microsoft is leading the effort in helping minority- and women-run enterprises achieve success in the digital economy,” said José Píñero, public relations group manager for Diversity Marketing at Microsoft. “Together, NCLR and Microsoft will embark on meeting the IT challenges faced by Latino community-based organizations, and assist them in bettering their services to low-income and underserved communities throughout the country.”
Additional information about the National Council of La Raza, and NCLR ACTS, can be found online at http://www.nclr.org.
About the National Council of La Raza
The National Council of La Raza — the largest national constituency-based Hispanic organization and the leading voice in Washington, DC for the Hispanic community — is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization established in 1968 to reduce poverty and discrimination and improve life opportunities for Hispanic Americans.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, NCLR has field offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Antonio, and San Juan, Puerto Rico and in 2004 opened an office in New York City. Through its community-based efforts, NCLR reaches more than four million Hispanics through a formal network of “affiliates” — more than 300 Hispanic community-based organizations that serve 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia — and a broader network of more than 35,000 groups and individuals nationwide.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
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