According to the Director of Sun Microsytems SA for French speaking Switzerland, Mr. Daniel Schudel, businesses must participate in the effort to bridge the digital divide. Interview.

Does the digital divide have an impact on the world economy?

The digital divide will have serious consequences on Western countries’ economies. Keeping our eyes closed is no longer possible: we must find solutions and take action. If we are unable to anticipate, we will run into problems. The Global Digital Solidarity Fund is a positive initiative, as it can bring real solutions.

What is the role of the private sector in fighting the digital divide?

Private sector stakeholders, and in particular “information and technology” businesses, must assume their responsibilities. From the onset, businesses must be ready to share their innovations with the less fortunate and allot part of their budget to the effort to bridge the digital divide.

The United Nations considers Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to be an essential development tool, which must be made available to the developing world. Today, problems have become global, so we must adopt a global approach. Since 1982, Sun Microsystems has been convinced that the computer is the network. We have always followed this strategy, and, today, we are proud to present our global mission, which we call the “Participation Era“. Concretely, we want to offer our technology, our services and our solutions to those countries which lack the resources to invest. By sharing its innovations, Sun Microsystems participates directly in the reduction of the digital divide.

Do you support the DSF?

Sun Microsystems welcomes the Global Digital Solidarity Fund initiative and its idea of a 1% contribution on information technology related contracts. The DSF objectives are in line with our own mission: that of creating new technologies to be put at the service of a participatory society. In fact, we have developed a project, similar to that of the DSF, which supports poor regions and enables isolated communities to be connected by satellite and benefit from distance education programmes. Sun Microsystems is ready to support the DSF, however, it is important that the Fund develops a coherent and transparent policy with regard to the funds which are invested in developing countries. The DSF must also make sure that its partners are well informed about the projects carried out to fight against the digital divide.

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