IBM, Lenovo Send Database Management Gear For Katrina Relief

The companies are trying to help universities, medical institutions, relief organizations, and government authorities with shared data systems and data management. They are also providing a means for survivors to communicate.

They shipped ThinkPads and desktop computers to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La., the Louisiana State Department of Environmental Quality, the United Way, the American Red Cross, the Texas State Department of Environmental Quality and other groups involved in relief efforts. The computers are being used by local, state and federal authorities to test air and water quality and to register evacuees for food stamps, Medicaid and other social services.

In addition, IBM is working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Center for Corporate Citizenship to develop a site that matches applicants with job listings. The company is assisting schools with unplanned registrations, and it helped establish the Salvation Army's Web site for Katrina.

Lenovo shipped 50 ThinkPads with wireless wide area network service from SBC to the Astrodome in Houston and the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. Those computers were sent to allow refugees to let their friends and families know they are safe.