The microfinance pioneer Grameen Foundation and Microsoft are set to announce a series of joint programs to improve technological know-how among organizations that provide financial services to the poor in developing countries, says The Seattle Times.

The effort, to be formally announced this week, will include a series of education and mentoring forums and other activities aimed at helping microfinance providers better manage and use communications technology. Grameen is already active in programs to give African villagers access to mobile phones.

The foundation has also named David Edelstein the new director of its Grameen Technology Center, in Seattle. Mr. Edelstein formerly worked at Microsoft, where he helped devise low-cost technology projects and business strategies for people in the developing world.