Microsoft's Path to Health Goes Through Software

Microsoft's path to health is intimately connected to software technology. The Redmond company's strategy is illustrated in the bonanza of acquisitions that have been adding technology assets to its healthcare portfolio. Microsoft has already demonstrated its commitment to building a comprehensive health platform via the acquisitions of Azyxxi and Medstory, and through the introduction of the "HealthVault" online information system. In this context, the Redmond company's Global Care Solutions are just another step towards its goal of improving health through software. Global Care Solutions' information technology is now an integer part of the Microsoft healthcare offerings.

"We were impressed by Global Care Solutions' state-of-the-art health information system, which has enabled a hugely complex facility like Bumrungrad International hospital to achieve amazing outcomes related to improved workflow and patient safety," said Peter Neupert, corporate vice president for the Health Solutions Group at Microsoft. "The international, fully integrated nature of the GCS technology, and the fact that it is built from the ground up on scalable Microsoft technology, makes this a great addition to our portfolio of health enterprise products as we look to power developing and emerging hospital systems around the globe."

Both parties failed to disclose the financial aspects of the acquisition. Microsoft only revealed that it will almost completely swallow the 70 health-care IT employees of Global Care Solutions. Global Care Solutions' products are essentially enterprise-class health information systems designed together with Bumrungrad hospital in Bangkok. The billing process, as well as medical record, regulatory compliance documentation and workflow have been managed with the help of GCS technology. Microsoft informed that the newly acquired information system will be integrated with the Azyxxi solution.

"We have been developing this product passionately for several years and are thrilled to see a company with the resources of Microsoft poised to bring it to a bigger world stage," said Pat Downing, CEO of Global Care Solutions. "This is the perfect time in our company's history to accelerate worldwide availability and allow our product to bring new light to health organizations across the globe, where the deployment of information technology can translate directly to better healthcare and, ultimately, healthier people."