Redmond-based Microsoft Corp. has activated its Disaster Response team, a dedicated group that plans how the company, people and partners can be mobilized during devastating incidents, to play a role in the Haitian earthquake relief efforts.

According to a Microsoft spokesperson, the company is engaged with humanitarian relief organizations to assess how it can make a difference, working closely with NetHope, a consortium of some of the world’s largest humanitarian relief organizations. NetHope is actively working to establish basic communications on the ground in Haiti so these organizations can deliver aid more quickly. NetHope has also activated the NetHope Haiti Emergency Center (a secure Microsoft SharePoint application) which serves as a focal point for all members for reports, events, contact lists and collaboration.

Microsoft is making an initial contribution of $1.25 million which includes cash and in-kind contributions.

Also, Akhtar Badshah, Microsoft’s senior director of Global Community Affairs, has announced that employees have been issued an appeal to support the relief organizations working in Haiti and will match the company’s U.S. based employee donations up to a maximum of $12,000 per employee.

“We are helping drive awareness and donations for relief efforts through MSN and Bing,” said Badshah.

In addition to its work with NetHope, Microsoft is encouraging employees to support relief efforts led by the American Red Cross, Care, MercyCorps, Save the Children, UNICEF and World Vision International.