Microsoft is bringing its Cloud-based health platform to patients and members of the health industry in Europe. The Redmond company licensed Microsoft HealthVault to Siemens AG (Siemens IT Solutions and Services division), which will introduce the platform on the German market. In this context, Germany becomes the third country worldwide where HealthVault is available, following the introduction of the solution approximately three years ago, in 2007.

The plan, according to Microsoft, is for Siemens IT Solutions and Services to grow its existent eHealth portfolio of solutions with new offerings designed for organizations involved in the German healthcare sector. At the same time, Siemens intends to broaden the availability of HealthVault by including companies in the fitness and wellness industry.

“In Siemens IT Solutions and Services, we have found a reliable and competent partner with whom we can jointly bring innovative solutions to the German healthcare system. With HealthVault, we provide citizens with a platform that allows them to better manage their health and the health of their families, and facilitates their communication with providers,” noted Angelika Gifford, senior director, Public Sector and member of Management at Microsoft Germany.

Designed as a personal health application platform, HealthVault allows users to easily store and manage their health information in the Cloud. While uploaded to HealthVault, the user data travels with the patient independent of location, and can be shared with hospitals and pharmacies. Per the license agreement with the software giant, Siemens has become the exclusive operator of Microsoft HealthVault in Germany.

“With the deployment of the HealthVault technology, Siemens contributes to the supply of affordable and personalized healthcare. At the same time, Siemens IT Solutions and Services completes its eHealth portfolio and expands the existing good relationship with Microsoft in the healthcare market,” added Frank Hauber, head of Business Unit Industry, Energy, Healthcare of Siemens IT Solutions and Services Germany.