MICROCAPITAL STORY: IBM Launches 2008 Podcast Series, Features “The Future of Microfinance”

IBM, a multi-national computer technology corporation, announced in a recent press release the launching of its 2008 podcast series, entitled “IBM and the Future of…”. The series, to be updated monthly, presents interviews with thought leaders on the impact of technology on everyday life, as well as on the effects of shifting economics on performance and value. One of the first episodes in the series is “The Future of Microfinance”, hosted by Tim Washer, from IBM’s Corporate Communications, with Jessica Flannery, co-founder of Kiva.org and Kevin Thompson from IBM’s Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs.

The 11-minute microfinance podcast begins by offering a brief overview of microfinance and its basic mechanisms, with examples of micro-loans that have been facilitated by Kiva.org, a nonprofit online microfinance lending platform that connects lenders with micro-entrepreneurs worldwide. In discussing the future course of microfinance sector development, both Flannery and Thompson highlight the importance of technology in increasing microfinance scale and outreach. Thompson briefly describes recent advancements, with a particular focus on IBM and CARE’s partnership to develop the African microfinance grid (see MicroCapital’s story). Nevertheless, the guest speakers acknowledge that additional challenges, such as the lack of an adequate regulation infrastructure and low levels of technological training among microfinance practitioners in developing countries, continue to hamper the full expansion of the microfinance sector. The full episode can be streamed or downloaded, along with its transcription, here.

Other current episodes in the series include: “The Future of Africa” and “The Future of Medical Imaging”. To learn more about podcast feeds, please click here. Other IBM Syndicated Podcast Feeds can be accessed here.

IBM, a U.S.-based company, was incorporated in 1924 and is currently led by Samuel J. Palmisano, Chairman and CEO. It has operations in 170 countries with 65 percent of its employees working overseas. According to its 2006 annual report, it has total revenues of USD 91.4 billion, net income of USD 9.4 billion, and total assets of USD 103.2 billion, with records in profit margin (41.9 percent), earnings per share (USD 6.06), and cash performance (USD 15.3 billion). For previous MicroCapital stories on IBM’s involvement with microfinance, please see below:

December 11, 2007: “IBM and CARE to Streamline Microfinance in Africa through Grid Technology”

October 18, 2007: “IBM Partners with Grameen Foundation to Expand Open-Source Microfinance Software Platform Mifos”

By Mary Fu

Additional Resources:

IBM: “IBM and the Future of…”

IBM: “Learn more about podcast feeds”

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