Microsoft acquires health data aggregation package

 Microsoft have announced the acquisition of a healthcare data aggregation software package, Azyxxi, and an alliance with the US-based health organisation, MedStar, where it was developed.

A new division within the Redmond-based software giant, led by Peter Neupert, corporate vice president of health solutions, will be responsible for development of the solution. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The software, which was developed in MedStar’s Washington Hospital Centre, aims to tie up data from fragmented systems that are not linked together and make it easily and quickly accessible. These can include different media such as patient records, images and lab reports.

Azyxxi, pronounced to rhyme with ‘Trixie’, is built on the Microsoft .NET framework and uses Microsoft SQL Server database structure. The interface is described by Microsoft as straightforward and fast.

Two of the clinicians who created the software will join Microsoft to further develop the project. The other will remain at Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC, while serving as chief clinical liaison for the company.

"Instant access to patient information is key to lifesaving care, especially in the emergency room and intensive care unit, where delays may mean the difference between life and death," said Dr Mark Smith, one of the developers. "Azyxxi was developed in the crucible of a real-time, high-acuity hospital environment, not in an offsite office or research laboratory."

Neupert said of the acquisition: "Healthcare delivery is one of the top global challenges for governments, employers, caregivers and consumers. Microsoft believes that information technology can positively impact the situation by removing barriers and empowering physicians with instant access to critical patient data.

"Azyxxi has demonstrated strong and clear benefits to physicians and other clinicians. We’re excited to work with the original architects, MedStar Health and Washington Hospital Center, to increase R&D investment in Azyxxi and deliver a technology environment that will help advance the quality of healthcare for patients."