Microsoft unveils Open Government Data Initiative

Microsoft has revealed its Open Government Data Initiative (OGDI) program, an initiative allowing government agencies and software developers to freely interact with and share data through the upcoming Windows Azure cloud services platform. The initiative will provide industry-standard levels of accessibility and security to existing government data protocols by providing virtualized, internet-based storage solutions to reduce costs and streamline database technologies.

Curt Kolcun, VP of Microsoft’s US Public Sector, commented: “Government organizations at every level are looking to the IT community to provide value, interoperability and choice as they strain to meet the tracking, reporting and engagement demands necessary to serve citizens. Microsoft is helping customers connect the dots of information-sharing to bring open government to life – from extending the capabilities they already own to enabling secure, innovative transformation in the cloud.”