The spread of coronavirus has led many individuals and organizations to do their part to mitigate the damage. Governments around the world have urged people to do their part to flatten the curve by staying inside their homes and practicing social distancing.
In an effort to assist the Netherlands in the fight against COVID-19, a number of tech companies have come forward to help. The initiative, called “Tech against Corona” includes companies such as Cybersprint, Compumatica, and TYMLEZ.
Reports indicated that the companies came forward on their own after seeing the rapid spread of the pandemic. As of now, the United States has had the largest number of coronavirus-related patients after the country has witnessed a doubling of numbers. After a meeting on 25 March, companies in the Netherlands decided to form their own group to tackle this problem.
The organizations believed that governments and hospitals could make use of their technologies and algorithms to better assist the sick. Cybersprint took it upon itself to investigate hospital systems and protect them from malicious cyber attacks. Compumatica, another technology company offered to improve the internet services of crucial professions and individuals.
Political officials in the Netherlands asked its people and companies to come together as one to fight the global pandemic. Jan Middendop, a Member of Parliament had said:
“We stay at home to keep each other safe. Technology can help keeping us safe. It is therefore more important than ever in these exceptional times for governments and tech companies to work together.”
The tech companies, just like the government realize that hospitals and doctors on the front line need the most assistance. To help with this, organizations such as TYMLEZ and Traxion have stepped forward with their resources. TYMLEZ is set to create a system where medicines are sent to patients depending on the exact dosage amount. Blockchain technology aims to distribute essentials at maximum efficiency, hence meeting more demands.
Technology bigwigs such as Microsoft and KPN were also looking at their drawing boards to conjure up solutions. Traxion was another Dutch company targetting the area of volunteer development. The company wants to create a simpler way in which volunteers can be added into online systems. The efforts taken by the companies was praised by another Member of Parliament, Chris van Dam, who stated:
“It’s fantastic that these companies are willing to assist the government. These smart tech heads are desperately needed right now.”
The group already includes ten tech companies with many more set to join. According to the officials close to the group, the mission is simple: come up with as many concrete solutions to the coronavirus as possible. The Royal Dutch Army has also been mobilized to help in crisis support and management.