Press Release - 20 April 2007

Technology charity Digital Links have welcomed Microsoft’s announcement that they will provide Windows packages for just £1.50 to schools in some of the world’s poorest nations. Digital Links CEO David Sogan said: “This is a great leap forward, although schools have had access to low-cost operating systems in the past, this will enable access to the software pupils really need to be experienced in if they want to go into further education or find jobs”. Sogan goes on to say “As this Windows package also includes educational software (such as maths) the impact on education provision will be profound”

However, a software package can’t run on thin air, developing nations, particularly in Africa, are in desperate need of good quality reliable computers. Digital Links, together with British companies and schools, can help to provide the PCs needed for these countries to take advantage of the cut-price Microsoft package.

Digital Links take redundant computers and refurbish them for reuse in the developing world, and can get a computer refurbished and installed into an African school for as little as £50 per PC. With grave doubts remaining about the feasibility and practicality of the $100-per-child laptop, this is a tried and tested method of helping children in the world’s poorest nations to bridge the digital divide. Research has demonstrated that every Digital Links computer in a school is used by an average of 25 children each week, meaning the cost per child is just a shade over £2.00 each.

Sogan says: “Donating through Digital Links really is a win-win situation for all concerned. As well as providing feedback to donors and enabling them to limit their carbon footprint by extending the life of their PCs, we also ensure that data is irretrievably wiped from all machines.”Technology Charity Hits Back: Donating PCs Through Us is 100% Safe
14th August 2006

The issue of data security has once again become a huge cause for concern. A BBC investigation has found that PCs containing important personal data, and even banking information, are turning up in markets in developing countries. The matter was discussed on BBC Five Live this morning, and a special investigation will be screened on the BBC's Real Story tonight.

Technology charity Digital Links International welcomes the fact that this important issue has again been raised, because guaranteed data erasure has always been a cornerstone of their commitment to donors. However, it's important for companies to remember that they can benefit from a completely professional IT disposal service and donate PCs.

CEO David Sogan says:

"In donating redundant computers to benefit developing countries companies don't need to compromise on the quality of service they receive. At Digital Links we work in partnership with professional refurbishment companies to ensure absolute security and environmental excellence for our donors"

Digital Links use Government-approved software and provide data destruction certification to all donors. In addition to providing top of the range data erasure Digital Links also ensure that all equipment is processed to the best environmental standards. They are already fully WEEE compliant and any equipment that fails their tests is completely recycled.

Digital Links' processes are so rigorous that they have been used to process PCs of organisations for which the security of data is of the utmost importance, they include: The Department for International Development, Bupa, FTSE and several NHS hospitals. The PC donations from these and other donors have enabled the organisation to distribute 45,000 PCs to schools and community centres in developing countries, providing dramatically improved opportunities for over a million young people, and ensuring complete security for their donors.