October 8,
2001
Software community donates servicesRichard A. D'Errico
The Business
Review
The New York State Software Network (NYSSNET) is reaching out to its
members -- the software community -- to find people who can provide free,
professional services to companies trying to recover from the Sept. 11
World Trade Center attacks.
With more than 10,000 software companies across the state and some
120,000 employees, NYSSNET's statewide regional members will seek to
enlist volunteers for the program, NYSSNET said.
NYSSNET's members include the Tech Valley Software Alliance in the
Capital Region.
A new consortium based in Manhattan, called the "World Trade Center IT
Mobilization" -- http://www.xb5.com/wtcitm -- created
to help companies affected in the disaster to recover, will coordinate
NYSSNET's contributed services. The effort seeks to mobilize senior-level
management consultants with skills in all areas of technology and
operations.
"Over the last two weeks our members have given what they can
independently to those organizations that have supported us over the
years," said Kate Magno, NYSSNET executive director. "This effort will
give us the system needed to collectively provide direct, efficient help
to the companies that suffered from the collapse of the World Trade Center
buildings."
Michael Drapkin, CEO of XB5 Partners is leading the volunteer effort.
"The World Trade Center housed 430 businesses from 26 countries. Firms
in surrounding buildings also suffered damage," said Drapkin, who also
chairs eCommerce Management for Columbia University's Executive IT
Management Program. "If you count firms that lost their technology
infrastructure or data centers, as well as telecommunications links, the
number of affected firms and organizations is staggering."
Donated services will include:
Assessment of systems damage and development of recovery project plans
Disaster recovery
Project management
Day-to-day operations (IT, sales and marketing, manufacturing,
distribution)
Other local tech companies have also volunteered their efforts. Wendy
Gavert of TekConnect, a New Jersey-based consulting company and hardware
provider with an Albany office, helped initiate a database of volunteers
to help companies affected by the Sept. 11 attacks. Rapid Application
Developers Inc. of Troy created the database found at http://www.rapiddevelopers.com/businessvolunteer/asp.
The Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce has promoted the site to
its members.
Mapping software developer MapInfo of North Greenbush offered its
services to government and news agencies who need maps detailing such
things as affected locations or tracking emergency services.
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