Microsoft Named Tech Provider of Republican National Convention

I just read from Technosailor that Microsoft has been chosen as the official technology provider for the Republican National Convention.

Under the agreement, Microsoft will provide the convention with support for various products, including Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Forefront Security Suite, and its Office Communications Server. Microsoft will also provide knowledge to streamline collaboration using the Microsoft Office suite and Sharepoint technologies to manage convention infrastructure ranging from collaborative virtual workspaces to applications like Professional Volunteer Management System, Venue Scheduling System, and others created by SharePoint. The electronic collaboration will improve staff efficiency and reduce paper usage – a key provision of the convention’s green commitment.

I’m all for using technology and it’s a crucial component in today’s society, so it inevitably should be important in politics as well. I’m just trying to decide if I really care WHO provides what to these things? Do I? Do you?

Should I see this any differently than another corporation, event or organization deciding to use Microsoft technologies?

What I do think will be interesting will be the significant real-world testing of Microsoft Surface, which will be showcased at the convention:

In addition, Microsoft is proud to be showcasing the next generation of computing, using Microsoft Surface and its natural user interface technology to provide a digital concierge for convention participants. Surface will enable attendees to interact with and consume the latest convention and local city information, including transportation routes, hotel locations, restaurant guides, and entertainment options. Convention participants will also be able to transmit and share photos taken at the convention using Surface technologies. Microsoft and the convention will continue to find ways to leverage Microsoft’s technologies and experienced support teams to make the convention the most tech-savvy in history.

I’ll be very interested to see and hear people’s feedback about Microsoft Surface. That part at least could be pretty cool.