Microsoft partners with ADB in technology

MANILA, Philippines, April 20 (UPI) -- Microsoft is expanding its outreach into the Asia-Pacific region, this time through the Asian Development Bank.

The software giant said Friday it will partner with the international organization to improve poor people's access to information technology.

"In the Asia and Pacific region, concerns are mounting over the growing 'digital divide,' the difference between those developing member countries of the ADB that have the capacity and resources to access (information and communication technologies) and those that do not," said ADB Vice President C. Lawrence Greenwood.

The ADB and Microsoft will work together to make better use of technologies in government as well as business and education.

"We share the tremendous optimism evident in this region, and look forward to working with the Asian Development Bank to ensure that every citizen in the region has the chance to realize their full potential," said Gerri Elliott, corporate vice president of the worldwide public sector at Microsoft.