Microsoft is providing free software, training and support to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC/RCS).

The deal will offer software licences to local members of the societies in developing countries, along with training in how to use the code and long-term support from Microsoft volunteers.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony at the societies' headquarters in Geneva.

"It is crucial that our workers have the capacity for real-time connection and exchange with multiple internal and external stakeholders, all of whom look to the Red Cross/Red Crescent for an efficient and effective emergency response," said Markku Niskala, secretary-general of the IFRC/RCS.

"This partnership with Microsoft highlights that the strengthening of communication and IT infrastructures are essential to rapid, co-ordinated, timely and effective intervention for saving lives."

Microsoft's donation is unusual in that it comes from the company rather than the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which recently donated $750m to Third World immunisation programmes.

The IFRC/RCS is a network of 181 societies dedicated to providing assistance without discriminating against nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion.