Cisco aids 'Thailand' with technology, human expertise and donations
Play
The heavy rains, the worst that have hit Thailand in the last 50 years, has resulted in floods that have affected more than 3 million people as well as businesses and schools in Bangkok.
Helping people in disaster and crisis situations is an important element of Cisco’s commitment to the community we operate in. In Thailand, we have responded to the flood crisis with a combination of technology, human expertise, and cash donations
Technology and human expertise:
Businesses in Bangkok were offered the use of Cisco WebEx, for online meetings, support, and webinars and online events for free for three month (from November 1, 2011 – January 31, 2012) to support remote work locations and remote learning for schools. Cisco WebEx allows businesses and lecturers to work from any device (PC, Tablet or smartphone) and can connect to the meeting location via WiFi or 3G and supports meeting recording. Using the Internet to host online meetings lets employees collaborate on projects just as if they were in the same room. By supporting employees that need to work from a remote location, businesses are able to maintain business continuity, ensure the safety of their employees and reduce stress on families during the flood.
Cisco also collaborated with Rama Hospital and TOT Plc to set up an online clinic that provides tele-health care services to patients in flooded areas. Using the network as a platform for connectivity, volunteer physicians use Cisco TelePresence to diagnose and treat patients in relief shelters or consult with doctors in remote locations, providing borderless healthcare in Bangkok.
Equipment like 3G WiFi routers, Cisco Unified Computing System for cloud enablement and Cisco TelePresence equipment is on loan to 4 relief centers and the Flood Relief Operations Command, as they work to manage the distribution relief supplies and operations.
Cash donations:
Cisco employees across Asia Pacific, Japan and Greater China have raised money for Habitat for Humanity (Thailand) with the company matching the funds raised. The Cisco Foundation has launched the "2011 - Thailand Flood Relief" campaign matching up to US$ 50,000 of eligible employee contributions and the current total of employee donations and commit Cisco Foundation matching fund is USD 15,442. Cisco employees will also work with local partners to rebuild houses in the flood affected areas once the water recedes.
