Republican Convention Selects Google as Tech Partner

RMN Digital | April 14, 2012 | Americas, Applications, E-Governance, Enterprise, Masses, Regions, Social, Social Media | No Comments

The 2012 Republican National Convention announced Friday that web major Google has been named the “Official Social Platform and Live Stream Provider” of the Republican presidential nominating convention to be held Aug. 27-30 in Tampa.

As a convention partner, Google will provide a range of technology support and services, including streaming high-quality, live video of convention events and programs.

“Google and YouTube are transforming the political process, providing voters an unprecedented degree of participation and, for the very first time, giving every American who has access to a computer, tablet, video gaming system, interactive television, or video-enabled smart-phone an exclusive backstage pass to the podium of a national political convention,” said convention CEO William Harris.

Using a host of new technologies and communications platforms including “Google+ Hangouts” (a new multi-party videoconferencing feature), convention organizers hope to provide voters a virtual front-row seat to convention proceedings and activities.

Like Google, other tech companies have also jumped on the political bandwagon by providing their solutions in different areas of campaigning. (Read: How Technology is Entering the American Political Arena)

“Having Google as a partner ensures the most engaging convention experience in history,” added Harris. “Our goal is to bring the convention to you, no matter where you are or which device you use.”

[ Also Read: Google to Host Free Seminars for Small Businesses ]

“We are excited to work with the Republican National Convention to help break down traditional barriers and empower voters. By incorporating our tools and technology, we are offering a behind the scenes look at the convention process and allowing voters, delegates and viewers to shape the conversation,” said Susan Molinari, Google’s Vice President of Public Policy.

Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google today is a top web property in all major global markets. It is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.

The 2012 Republican National Convention will be held at the Tampa Bay Times Forum from August 27-30, 2012. Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to come to the Tampa Bay area for the event, including delegates, alternate delegates, members of the media and other guests.