The following is an opinion editorial by Rick Echevarria of Intel Corporation.

One hundred days ago, our CEO, Bob Swan, announced the Intel Pandemic Response Technology Initiative. Intel would invest $50 million to combat COVID-19 in ways we knew best: using technology to study and help with the diagnosis of the coronavirus, helping disrupted educators and students, and supporting innovative new ideas and projects.

Ive had the privilege of leading this initiative and seeing an extraordinarily committed group of Intel employees, customers and partners mobilize. In just over three months they have made possible new and creative uses for our technology to address a range of challenges. Weve come a long way, learned a lot and still have much to do. On behalf of this team at 100 days in I wanted to share some of that journey.

More: Intel Response to COVID-19 Crisis (Press Kit) | Intels PRTI at 100 Days: In Los Angeles, Online Classes that Inspire

So far, Intel has partnered with over 100 organizations on close to 200 projects totaling more than $30 million in contributions from the original pandemic response to first early steps toward recovery. In those early days, we provided ventilator manufacturers with vital parts. We assisted with the creation of virtual intensive care units.

Today, were providing technology and educational content for students who might otherwise be left behind. Were aiding businesses as they take the first steps to re-open safely. And were exploring ways Intel technology and our financial support can be used in the search for diagnoses, treatments and vaccines.

Our role through the pandemic points out undeniable lessons: Technology used to its potential can save lives and change lives. No one can solve these problems alone. And we will never thrive as we once did if we dont work with our customers and our communities to make our world better after we recover.

Three examples show how far weve come.

As weve moved through the lifecycle of pandemic response, its obvious the coronavirus has changed society, industry and Intel. Historic calls for change (the end to acts of racism, inequity and social injustice) in COVID-19s shadow illustrate how important the coming few months will be for all of us in the U.S. and around the world. Collectively, its led us at Intel to recognize several vital lessons.

Technology and its creative use are needed more than ever: Four months ago, Intel CEO Bob Swan wrote to our customers: You provide vital services, tools and infrastructure to millions of people who are directly struggling with this virus Day in and day out, it has proven true. Inside Intel and with our customers, weve broken down silos to move more quickly than ever. Newly discovered sources of technology value, like Providences care at a distance, prove to be life-changing as patients and care providers grow comfortable with them. Weve thought creatively and pulled together customers to provide services that are saving lives, educating students and keeping our community infrastructure solid.

Data collaboration and sharing have never been more important: Solving the challenges brought to the world by the coronavirus requires researchers worldwide to work together. The whole world has become a peer community. There is much we dont know about the coronavirus, but with the help of federated learning, researchers are able to privately share patient data as they collaborate to create a vaccine or treatment program. They can access a rich world of data to make better decisions and follow groundbreaking clues, all without breaching privacy laws. Our technology to effectively manage, share and collaborate using important data sets has never been as significant as when researchers are chasing a deadly virus.

Better health will go hand in hand with recovering economies: Peoples health will be critical to the worlds economic recovery, just as the economic recovery will be key to everyones health. Going back to doing things the way we did them before wont carry over after the coronavirus is solved. I keep going back to it, but telehealth is a great example. To best realize its benefits, we need to recognize its success and acceptance among people seeking physician guidance. Only that will allow it to thrive.

As a company, we have learned to operate with more empathy, agility and velocity. We look at our products not for what we know they can do, but for what they might be able to do in a changed world. Outside of our walls, we have come together in new ways with customers, partners and the community and weve seen what a difference working together can make when we all think and act creatively.

We wont forget these lessons. They will shape our approach, as we press forward with our goals for the next decade.

Life will be different for everyone around the world after the coronavirus is history. Doctors and patients will communicate from a greater distance. Educators will find lessons in distance learning to make online classes more effective and meaningful. Cures for many more diseases will come from the private, safe and efficient sharing of data.

Our Pandemic Response Technology Initiative cant solve all of the challenges were facing, but what we learn and what we teach others after this event will create a strong foundation for the future. Its inspiring to see how our technology and that of the broader high-tech industry will make enriching lives (even in a world as challenged as it is today) possible.

Rick Echevarria is vice president in the Sales, Marketing and Communications Group and general manager of the Intel Olympic Program at Intel Corporation. He leads Intels Pandemic Response Technology Initiative.

About Intel

Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is an industry leader, creating world-changing technology that enables global progress and enriches lives. Inspired by Moores Law, we continuously work to advance the design and manufacturing of semiconductors to help address our customers greatest challenges. By embedding intelligence in the cloud, network, edge and every kind of computing device, we unleash the potential of data to transform business and society for the better. To learn more about Intels innovations, go to newsroom.intel.com and intel.com.

Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Laurie Smith DeJong

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Intel Editorial: The Pandemic Drives New Era of Tech Collaboration - Global Banking And Finance Review