GE Healthcare (NYSE: GE) joined forces with Microsoft (NSDQ:MSFT) to develop health care software tools that give providers access to real-time, system-wide patient health data.
The new company, yet to be named, will launch an open technology platform focused on population management to improve the overall economics of health and wellness, according to a press release.
"The global healthcare challenges of access, cost and quality of care delivery are creating a new focus on the performance and accountability of healthcare delivery systems – in every country, at every level of care," GE chairman & CEO Jeffrey Immelt said in prepared remarks. "The complementary nature of GE Healthcare’s and Microsoft’s individual expertise will drive new insights, solutions and efficiencies to further advance the two companies’ shared vision of a connected, patient-centric healthcare system"
The joint effort will complement both companies’ existing presence in health care and should create new jobs within its first five years of existence, according to a press release.
The two corporate titans will pool their expertise in health software, including Microsoft’s health intelligence platforms and sign-on solutions and GE’s health information exchange and clinical knowledge applications, to provide solutions to both health care providers and payers.
"High quality affordable healthcare is one of the biggest challenges facing every nation, but it’s also an area where technology can make a huge difference," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said in prepared remarks. "Combining Microsoft’s open, interoperable health platforms and software expertise with GE’s experience and healthcare solutions will create exciting opportunities for patients and healthcare providers alike. Working together, GE and Microsoft can help make healthcare systems more intelligent and cost efficient while improving patient care."
The information and analytics they provide could help in addressing salient health care issues such as health care associated infections and chronic disease management, according to a press release.
The venture, expected to launch in the first half of 2012, will be housed near the Microsoft campus in Redmond, Wash., with additional presence in Salt Lake City, Utah, and cities around the world.
