Nottingham-based IT company XMA is in the spotlight today
(Wednesday 11 May, 2011) for its contribution to a national
campaign aimed to get millions more people online by the
Olympics.
XMA is a partner of Race Online 2012, the cross-sector
partnership organisation led by UK Digital Champion, Martha Lane
Fox which aims to make the UK the world's first nation where
everyone has the skills to enjoy the benefits of being
online.
Today, there are nine million adults in the UK who have never
used the internet and nearly half of them are among our most
disadvantaged. They are all missing out on the cost benefits and
opportunities that the web can offer. Race Online 2012 aims to
eliminate the three major barriers that prevent people from getting
online - access, motivation and skills.
XMA's contribution to the Race Online 20012 challenge is the
provision of a low cost IT package specifically designed for
first-time internet users who may be new to technology and wary of
the web, including a Toshiba notebook complete with pre-installed
software for £325 or a refurbished computer with Windows XP
package for only £120 in partnership with IT recycling
specialists, Tier 1. The computers are supplied pre-loaded with
assistive technology software designed for people with special
needs or disabilities to assist them getting online.
XMA will be offering these packages as part of the Go ON
campaign supported by Race Online. Other partners include
Microsoft, Three, TalkTalk, Post Office, Sky, BT, Primus Serve, O2,
Age UK, John Lewis and the Post Office.
Ash Merchant, Director of Government and Social Affairs at XMA
said, "We fully support the aims of Race Online 2012. We are aware
that the cost of purchasing a computer can be a hurdle for many
people so we are delighted to be working with Toshiba and Tier 1.
Together we are striving to reduce the cost of computers and supply
those less confident online with more software and information
guides than ever to help them realise the benefits of the internet.
It's fantastic for XMA that, with so many partners getting behind
Race Online, our contribution is being acknowledged on a national
level."
Since its inception Race Online 2012 has earned the backing of
more than 1,000 UK cross-sector partners, and today announced the
recruitment of 100,000 volunteer digital champions who will help
and inspire others to use the internet.
The UK Digital Champion, Martha Lane Fox, said: "Working in
partnership is crucial to getting the UK connected and confident
with technology. With the help of partners like XMA we are
beginning to address the barriers of access, motivation and skills
that prevent people from getting started with the web and are
moving closer to our ambition to create a truly remarkable digital
UK".
In addition to two tailored IT packages, XMA is also offering
free 30-day jumpstart technical assistance, free warranty cover,
and a step-by-step guide, showing new users how to carry out common
internet tasks such as set up an email address.