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Microsoft helps keep Team Dimension Data on track

By , ITWeb
Africa , 20 Jul 2016

Microsoft helps keep Team Dimension Data on track

Microsoft is sponsoring Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka by providing a central repository through which the team can manage logistics. All ground staff and riders have access to Office 365 to ensure connectivity throughout the international cycling event.

In a statement the software firm explains that Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka is the first and only African team to participate in the Tour de France, and is cycling again to raise funds to provide bicycles to people in disadvantaged communities.

The 48-hour global interactive fundraising initiative #BicyclesChangeLives campaign ran on 15 and 16 July.

Microsoft's Office 365 is being used to communicate, share information and manage Dimension Data team operations.

"Microsoft has been sponsoring the team since 2014 and the partnership has been paying off ever since," says Rami Azzi, Business Group Lead for applications & services, Microsoft West East and Central Africa. "Of course Mark Cavendish's victory in the opening stage made it even more exciting to be a part of this amazing team."

Douglas Ryder, team lead at Qhubeka says, "Microsoft offered us the best logistical solution to connect our team. With Office 365 everything is managed centrally and we also implemented a Cycling Administration System developed on the Microsoft Platform, so we don't have to worry about missing an important update because we have a central repository."

Ryder adds, "We have also cut our communication costs, not to mention our stress levels, meaning we can focus on race preparation and analysis."

Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka was founded in 2007 and has bases in South Africa and Italy.

According to the Microsoft statement "To date, team Dimension Data Qhubeka has raised enough funds for 5 000 bikes that have been given to children in rural communities in Africa to get them to school faster and safer. Qhubeka was set up in 2005 and is part of a programme run in South Africa by the non-profit, non- governmental organisation, World Bicycle Relief. Since inception Qhubeka has delivered more than 60 000 specially designed, locally assembled bicycles to people across the country."

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