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."

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About CTXchange
Charity Technology Trust's CTXchange programme enables eligible charities and charitable housing associations to receive hardware and software products, donated by leading brands, to improve the efficiency of their operations. It is part of a global partnership operated by Techsoup, headquartered in the USA. The programme has helped donate hardware and software to over 10,000 charities.

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About Charity Technology Trust (CTT). CTT is an impartial, non-profit-making organisation which provides the charitable sector with information technology and support services including hardware, software and support for e-mail marketing and online payments systems. CTT currently works with over 12,000 charities. Formed in 2001, CTT is the only UK registered charity devoted to improving the operational efficiency of charities through the use of information technology.
www.ctt.org | www.twitter.com/Charity_Tech

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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.

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*Qualifying UK organisations can either purchase Windows 8, or if they have received a donation of a Windows operating system through CTXchange that included Software Assurance (and it is still current), can upgrade to Windows 8 for no additional cost.

For more information please contact:
Lisa Henshaw or Hannah Devoy
Fourth Day PR
+44 (0)20 7403 4411
lisa@fourthday.co.uk or hannah@fourthday.co.uk