Spotlight on XMA in national campaign to get millions more online.

May 11, 2011

Nottingham-based IT company XMA is in the spotlight today for its contribution to a national campaign aimed to get millions more people online by the Olympics.

XMA is a partner of Race Online 2012, the cross-sector partnership organisation led by UK Digital Champion, Martha Lane Fox which aims to make the UK the world’s first nation where everyone has the skills to enjoy the benefits of being online.

Today, there are nine million adults in the UK who have never used the internet and nearly half of them are among our most disadvantaged.  They are all missing out on the cost benefits and opportunities that the web can offer.  Race Online 2012 aims to eliminate the three major barriers that prevent people from getting online – access, motivation and skills.

XMA’s contribution to the Race Online 20012 challenge is the provision of a low cost IT package specifically designed for first-time internet users who may be new to technology and wary of the web, including a Toshiba notebook complete with pre-installed software for £325 or a refurbished computer with Windows XP package for only £120 in partnership with IT recycling specialists, Tier 1.  The computers are supplied pre-loaded with assistive technology software designed for people with special needs or disabilities to assist them getting online.

XMA will be offering these packages as part of the Go ON campaign supported by Race Online. Other partners include Microsoft, Three, TalkTalk, Post Office, Sky, BT, Primus Serve, O2, Age UK, John Lewis and the Post Office.

Ash Merchant, Director of Government and Social Affairs at XMA said, “We fully support the aims of Race Online 2012. We are aware that the cost of purchasing a computer can be a hurdle for many people so we are delighted to be working with Toshiba and Tier 1. Together we are striving to reduce the cost of computers and supply those less confident online with more software and information guides than ever to help them realise the benefits of the internet. It’s fantastic for XMA that, with so many partners getting behind Race Online, our contribution is being acknowledged on a national level.”

Since its inception Race Online 2012 has earned the backing of more than 1,000 UK cross-sector partners, and today announced the recruitment of 100,000 volunteer digital champions who will help and inspire others to use the internet.   .

The UK Digital Champion, Martha Lane Fox, said: “Working in partnership is crucial to getting the UK connected and confident with technology. With the help of partners like XMA we are beginning to address the barriers of access, motivation and skills that prevent people from getting started with the web and are moving closer to our ambition to create a truly remarkable digital UK”.

In addition to two tailored IT packages, XMA is also offering free 30-day jumpstart technical assistance, free warranty cover, and a step-by-step guide, showing new users how to carry out common internet tasks such as set up an email address.

The packages can be ordered directly from XMA by calling 0115 846 4120 or for those already online, by visiting www.getonline.xma.co.uk. Mecca Bingo is also offering the products on a trial basis.