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American Council of the Blind Enhances Accessibility with Microsoft Azure and Office 365
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Computer Vision Software
- Networks & Connectivity - Routers & Bridges
Applicable Industries
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Transportation
Use Cases
- Construction Management
- Infrastructure Inspection
Services
- Training
The Challenge
The American Council of the Blind (ACB), a nonprofit organization advocating for the blind and visually impaired, was facing significant challenges with its technology infrastructure. The organization's on-premises servers were unreliable, frequently going down and causing disruptions to staff and members. The servers, which housed over 20 years of institutional records, were also experiencing data loss due to corruption issues. This shaky IT foundation was hindering the organization's ability to fulfill its mission and adapt to the needs of the people it serves. The ACB realized that it needed to invest in technology and integrate it into its long-term strategic goals to ensure up-to-date, secure, and efficient operations.
About The Customer
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is a nonprofit organization based in the United States, dedicated to supporting and advocating for all people who are blind or visually impaired. The organization is made up of approximately 70 state chapters and affiliate organizations. ACB works towards increasing the independence and quality of life of people who are blind or visually impaired. It partners with local, state, and federal government, transportation departments, educators and rehabilitation specialists, technology companies, and many more to guide its advocacy efforts. The organization provides a wide range of content, including updates on its advocacy efforts, streamed stand-up comedy and music performed by artists who are blind, cooking shows, and more.
The Solution
In response to these challenges, ACB chose Microsoft Azure to modernize its infrastructure. The organization was aware of Microsoft's technology offers for nonprofits, which included discounted and donated technology. This, combined with ACB's decades-long relationship with Microsoft, made Azure a natural fit for a cloud-based technology solution. The transition to Azure was completed in June 2020. The organization also uses Microsoft Office 365 on Microsoft Surface Pro, which has helped it maintain high productivity levels, especially during the transition to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Azure provides a more sustainable and reliable infrastructure, allowing ACB to protect its data and ensure redundancy in its backup strategy.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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