Survey co-sponsored by HKCSS indicates lack of security awareness and knowledge of cloud solutions prevents NGOs from reaping the full benefits of cloud
Hong Kong – May 30, 2012 – Microsoft Hong Kong today announced the launch of the “Cloud Unlimited for a Better Hong Kong” Program at NGO Day 2012, which represents a multi-year commitment to helping people and organizations in Hong Kong to benefit from the latest cloud computing technology and improve productivity and collaboration under a secured environment. As part of this program, Microsoft is also launching the Volunteer Management System (VMS), the first ever tailor-made, cloud-based system for NGO volunteer management together with Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS).
This year’s NGO Day also unveiled the results of a cloud security survey, commissioned by Microsoft and HKCSS, conducted by the Public Opinion Programme at the University of Hong Kong (HKUPOP) in April 2012. The data shows how and to what extent NGOs are evolving their service model in light of stronger concerns regarding data security, and recognizing how cloud-based solutions unlock a range of important benefits for them. Key findings include:
- Close to 50% of surveyed NGOs revealed they lack comprehensive security protection which includes all five core server protective measures: anti-virus, regular back-up, firewall, physical security and uninterruptable power supply.
- On a scale of 0-10, NGOs gave an average rating of 6.7 for the sufficiency of security with respect to data storage and transfer within their organizations. As for the need to enhance current security work and/or facilities in data storage and transfer, the average rating was 5.8, implying a comparatively low awareness and sense of urgency toward a need upgrade their security systems.
- To ensure no data leakage when transferring important or confidential data, 76% of NGOs use “postal or manual delivery”.
- 74% says they do not allow employees to take confidential data, such as users’ personal data, away from the office by USB or other hardware; among those NGOs who do allow employees to take away confidential data, “encryption” (38%) is the most common security measure used, followed by “employees’ self-discipline” (13%).
- One third have deployed cloud solutions at present. Among NGOs who are now using cloud solutions, “email” (24%) and “file storage/sharing” (17%) are the most common cloud applications.
- Among those NGOs who are not using cloud solution systems, 31% hesitate to move to the cloud due to “information security and privacy concerns” and one fifth have reservations about the ability to provide appropriate training to employees.
- 45% regard “improving information sharing” as the most attractive reason for their organization to transfer IT to cloud services, followed closely by “reduced or no capital investment” (44%) and “reducing the workload of supporting the system” (43%). More than one third acknowledge the benefits of “lower floating and operational expenditure” (39%) and “better information security” (33%).
- 35% regard “allowing IT subsidy for operational expenses” and 33% regards “Government initiated/subsidized Community Cloud” as the most effective methods of encouraging non-governmental organizations to use cloud solutions.
Online security threats are rising in number and frequency, and cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated. In response to the latest challenges faced by NGOs and in order to enable them to leverage the powerful capabilities and security benefits of cloud, Microsoft Hong Kong, in tandem with HKCSS, is launching the specially-designed VMS service to help NGOs, which have traditionally been constrained by a lack of IT resources and expertise, to offload the manpower, time and cost burdens of maintaining IT infrastructure security and managing their valuable volunteer databases.
“While cloud computing adoption is still in its early stages among NGOs in Hong Kong, some NGOs have become early adopters with our support and are already enjoying enhanced security and productivity, with much less required in terms of manpower and costs,” said Peter Yeung, general manager of Microsoft Hong Kong. “As a cloud pioneer in the industry, we are keen to bring the latest cloud innovations and benefits to all sectors of Hong Kong, especially underserved sectors such as NGOs and schools. The “Cloud Unlimited for a Better Hong Kong” Program marks our long-term commitment to Hong Kong, and we have a mission of increasing productivity, developing talent and driving Hong Kong’s prosperity through cloud.”
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New cloud-based service for NGOs enables effective volunteer allocation and management
One of the ways Microsoft is supporting NGOs’ migration to the cloud is the newly developed VMS, based on Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online. Created in partnership with HKCSS, VMS is a tailor-made tool that is available for use by all NGOs, with the Information Technology Resources Centre of HKCSS providing supporting and technical services. Individual NGOs can further customize the flexible VMS to meet their specific volunteer management needs. VMS offers NGOs a number of benefits, including increased productivity with up-to-date and enterprise-grade CRM capabilities, reduced manpower burden, and much more affordable IT infrastructure.
“We have ardent needs and expectations towards the VMS,” said Mrs. Doris Yan, co-ordinator of Chain of Charity Movement. “This cloud-based system empowers more people to understand our cases so as to encourage them to serve those in need with love and time. Besides, the VMS allows us to have prompt screening and successful matching, which enables us to effectively allocate volunteers according to their available time slots and service expertise to help the elderly and disabled who are in need of our services.”
“The survey findings offer revealing insights into the adoption of cloud technology among NGOs today, and we believe more education and training are needed to empower NGOs to leverage on cloud,” said Christine Fang, chief executive of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service. “HKCSS recognizes and appreciates Microsoft’s efforts in developing the volunteer management system and make it available to NGOs, that are often handicapped by the lack of IT development budgets and customized tools. We believe VMS will improve productivity, security and service provision, especially when resources are limited. I believe this will be a useful entry point for NGOs to learn about and see the real benefits of cloud technology.”
NGO Day is an annual event held by Microsoft and HKCSS to help local NGOs enhance service delivery to the community by harnessing the power of IT. This year’s event was attended by more than 250 representatives from Hong Kong’s public, private and NGO sectors.
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. Microsoft Hong Kong was established in 1991.
About The Hong Kong Council of Social Service
The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) was established in 1947, representing, with clear vision and professional expertise, non-governmental welfare agencies committed to sustain and develop social welfare in Hong Kong. HKCSS has grown since then to become an umbrella organization of over 400 Agency Members, that provide over 90% of the social welfare services for those in need through their 3,000 service units all over Hong Kong.
