In a move that is not symbolic of their usual ventures, Microsoft is moving into the healthcare field. The software giant is making plans to market titles specifically generated for the industry, as reported by the New York Times.
Typically, Microsoft has focused on their operating systems and productivity software, staying out of industry-specific advances. Microsoft has purchased a software project called Azyxxi, an advanced patient information system developed by doctors at a Washington hospital.
The company has had its eye on Azyxxi for years and conducted a case study on the project in early 2004.
As aptly reported by the Times' Steve Lohr, this may seem like a small development for the Windows goliath. However, as the healthcare and medical industries grow, the need for high-technology integrated solutions will rise with it.
That is where the principle behind Azyxxi comes into play. The software integrates patient history into a database containing test results, vital signs, images, documents and much more. This allows any healthcare provider with a need to know the ability to find out everything needed about a patient in one time- and money-saving step.
Microsoft is planning a full suite of healthcare software built around the first title.
This is a sound public relations and marketing move for Microsoft. Healthcare is a field that is very responsive and receptive to technological innovations. The ability of doctors to one-stop-shop will be in high demand and this software may just be where they turn. Its clear and anticipated integration into Microsoft Windows will further motivate IT departments to utilize the Azyxxi solution. A healthcare version of Windows is also possible, allowing healthcare companies to engineer their computing resources with integrated solutions.
Article comments
1 - JC
Very interesting. Microsoft seems to dabble in a lot of things now. What will come next. Lets hope there is a positive outcome.