Thursday, March 8, 2012

Dell Backs Red Cross Social Media Effort

Round Rock-based Dell and the American Red Cross said today that they are booting up a new "Digital Operations Center" in Washington, D.C., which will provide information to the public during disasters. According to the two, the effort is focused on providing and gathering information through social media sites, sourcing information from affected areas during emergencies, spotting trends with the public, and connect people with resources during a disaster. Dell provided the consulting expertise, technology products, and funding to set up the new center. AS part of the launch, the Red Cross said it has created a "Digital Volunteer Program" which will train people to respond online to questions from the public, distribute information, and comfort and reassure people during emergencies via social media. Dell did not say how much it has invested in the effort.