Microsoft donates software to Queen's University

Microsoft Ireland has donated £180,000 worth of software to Queen's University Belfast.

The donation is a continuation of Microsoft’s longstanding relationship with the university, which has seen its involvement in student placements and sponsorship increase in recent years.

The software, which will primarily benefit computer science students, consists of some of the latest Microsoft programmes as well as the latest server technologies and hard-copy learning guides.

Harry Largey, Senior Group Manager, Microsoft Ireland, said: “We view this donation as an investment in the future of the students of Queen’s University. These students are the software developers and possibly the Microsoft employees of the future. They need to work with the latest technologies and gain the best possible IT education whilst in college.

“The annual co-operative programme we have established with the university already places computer science students on annual work experience with Microsoft and we are always very impressed by their high calibre. Any company that employs these students in the future will benefit from their exposure to this technology whilst in college”.

Pat Corr, Head of School, Queens University Belfast, said: “We were delighted when Microsoft came on board with the donation, our students need to work with this type of software to gain necessary experience, and this in turn will increase their attractiveness to employers post-graduation. The substantial size of the donation means that all IT students will get use the technology and it will not be limited in its usage.”

The donation is in line with Microsoft’s overall commitment to the wellbeing and education of the IT students at Queen’s University.

Microsoft also offers work experience places every year to Queen’s University co-operative year students as part of their 'Investing In The Future' policy.

(SP)