Microsoft Humanitarian Systems! (Channel 9)

When you think of natural disaster, software programs rarely come to mind. But Ted Okada and Robert Kirkpatrick of Microsoft’s Humanitarian Systems know from experience that where there's a crisis, software can be a life-saver. On the front lines of war, earthquakes and floods Ted and Robert develop software applications that aid rescue efforts, assist medical workers, expedites counting and locating displaced people and helps disperse badly needed resources.

We'll meet Ted Okada and discuss the work of the Humanitarian Systems Initiative and he'll demonstrate how he’s builds an application and how it helps in the recovery of a disaster struck area.

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Walter Crespo

Jul 27, 2006 at 3:57 PM

I really like the topics you cover Tina, you ask great questions, I can't wait to see what's up next.
Walter Crespo

Jul 27, 2006 at 3:57 PM

I really like the topics you cover Tina, you ask great questions, I can't wait to see what's up next.
Ted Bracewell

Jul 27, 2006 at 5:59 PM

This was a cool one. I liked seeing the offices. A little more suave than G4? And Laura makes you listen to Pink? Yuck.
Ted Bracewell

Jul 27, 2006 at 5:59 PM

This was a cool one. I liked seeing the offices. A little more suave than G4? And Laura makes you listen to Pink? Yuck.
delusion_

Jul 27, 2006 at 10:14 PM

Thanks to everyone who helps run and update this site, from the geeky webmasters to the loveable hosts. This show is definitely exposing the "human" side of a corporation. See, it isn't all evil!
delusion_

Jul 27, 2006 at 10:14 PM

Thanks to everyone who helps run and update this site, from the geeky webmasters to the loveable hosts. This show is definitely exposing the "human" side of a corporation. See, it isn't all evil!
Matthew Mushall

Jul 27, 2006 at 10:26 PM

Hmmm....perhaps that's a bad pun for a subject regarding such a serious topic, but that's the best I can muster at the moment. Anyway, this was a very interesting and informative segment. While I'm more interested in environmental topics, I certainly have a mild interest in humanitarian endeavors. I've kept up with most of the stories since the earthquake and Tsunami in and around Pakistan. I'm also very impressed with the financial and technical assistance Microsoft has been providing. Ted Okada offered an interesting insight into Groove, something of which I was completely unaware. That will rapidly become an invaluable asset to humanitarian relief teams in the field. I get the feeling Israel and Lebanon may soon be the next prooving ground for Groove...but I genuinely hope I'm mistaken.

Again, Tina, your serious interviews are nothing short of fantastic. I'd also like to thank you for giving us a little behind the scenes look at your temporary office space and wearing your hair up in that segment. I've been hoping you would try that in a segment for some time now, and I'm glad you did. Now I'd love to see you try a ponytail just once. You're that much more beautiful when you're casual. Sorry if that's a little off topic.
Matthew Mushall

Jul 27, 2006 at 10:26 PM

Hmmm....perhaps that's a bad pun for a subject regarding such a serious topic, but that's the best I can muster at the moment. Anyway, this was a very interesting and informative segment. While I'm more interested in environmental topics, I certainly have a mild interest in humanitarian endeavors. I've kept up with most of the stories since the earthquake and Tsunami in and around Pakistan. I'm also very impressed with the financial and technical assistance Microsoft has been providing. Ted Okada offered an interesting insight into Groove, something of which I was completely unaware. That will rapidly become an invaluable asset to humanitarian relief teams in the field. I get the feeling Israel and Lebanon may soon be the next prooving ground for Groove...but I genuinely hope I'm mistaken.

Again, Tina, your serious interviews are nothing short of fantastic. I'd also like to thank you for giving us a little behind the scenes look at your temporary office space and wearing your hair up in that segment. I've been hoping you would try that in a segment for some time now, and I'm glad you did. Now I'd love to see you try a ponytail just once. You're that much more beautiful when you're casual. Sorry if that's a little off topic.