The earthquake that struck Haiti on Jan. 12 could be the most devastating of our times, with a death toll of more than 170,000 and still counting. But, fortunately, technology solutions and industry leaders have risen to the occasion, escalating relief efforts more rapidly and effectively than ever. Here are just a few highlights that present technology at its very best:

• mGive immediately emerged as a leading catalyst for help, launching the 90999 text message system for the Red Cross, which has raised more than $27 million. Produced by Denver-based Mobile Accord, the mGive platform is capable of processing more than $10,000 in text donations per minute. Mobile Accord’s CEO, James Eberhard, was contacted by the U.S. State Department promptly after the disaster and, within hours, the mGive team set up the text system. Wireless carriers and mGive are waiving all normal fees, so 100 percent of donations go toward relief efforts. Leading ad networks such as AdMob, Eyeblaster, Jumptap, Microsoft Advertising, Millennial Media and Ringleader Digital worked with Mobile Accord to swiftly develop an advertising campaign that got the word out.

• TwitCause, the largest social cause portal on Twitter, has boosted efforts of the Red Cross and OxFam America, a global relief and development organization that is currently providing clean water, shelter and sanitation to Haiti. TwitCause followers are retweeting, donating funds and elevating the online viral presence of these two organizations. Also: 10Beyond.com has come up with a donation widget stamp that is embedded into e-mail signatures. The stamp indicates that the sender has made a donation and can direct recipients to sites where they can donate as well.

• Calgary-based Immersive Media has captured the devastation using 360-degree video technology that’s been featured on CNN and other major outlets, providing a dramatic perspective on the extent of the devastation. The footage also includes integrated mapping and high-res imagery to serve as a highly functional tool/resource for news and relief agencies.

• The Mission Aviation Fellowship set up a Port-au-Prince airport communications center linked to a satellite system from Huntsville, Ala.-based GATR Technologies, supplying much needed high-bandwidth communications to at least 16 international aid groups that have arrived since Jan. 12. Dedicated phone lines are providing telephone service for the relief agencies, and the center also allows for wireless communications, Skype, voice-over-Internet protocol and e-mail.

• Palo Alto, Calif.-based Etón is providing solar-powered, multifunctioned radios to victims so they can receive needed rescue/relief information from Commando Solo, an Air Force C-130 that has been broadcasting from overhead.