Microsoft releases Windows 8 through CTT’s charity technology donation programme

London, 29th October 2012 - Charity Technology Trust (CTT) has announced that its partner, Microsoft, will release Windows 8 through CTT’s technology donation programme, CTXchange. Eligible charities and not-for-profit organisations that are registered to the programme will have access to the operating system at a discounted rate.

Qualifying UK organisations can either purchase Windows 8, or upgrade to Windows 8 for no additional cost*. Microsoft’s latest release boasts a new look, with a start screen that will make it easier to use across a range of hardware including touch screen tablets, notebooks and desktop PCs, by giving instant access to programmes, apps and other  documents.

Users will also be able to sign into the cloud and access their files on any Windows 8 device, making it easier to connect and share information across – and outside – their organisations.

Windows 8 also comes with a set of built-in apps -- Microsoft Mail, Calendar, SkyDrive, Photos and Messaging – which work together and interact with social networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.  This single interface will make it easier for charities to take advantage of the benefits of social media.

“Keeping up to date with the latest developments in technology is important for charities and not-for-profit organisations to be able to operate as they should on a daily basis,” said Richard Craig of CTT. “Through CTXchange, our members have access to products such as Windows 8, which they may otherwise be unable to afford, but are vital in helping them to run their organisations more efficiently.”