Microsoft joins COCIR

Microsoft has joined the European Coordination Committee of the Radiological, Electromedical and Healthcare IT Industry (COCIR).

The non-profit trade association, which promotes communication, common standards, and regulatory regimes, said the technology giant was looking to “contribute to and interact with the policy environment and key players in European healthcare systems.

“We very much look forward to receiving their input on the future of healthcare IT in Europe as a key contributor to sustainable future healthcare systems,” said secretary general Nicole Denjoy.

Although it is best known for its server and desktop operating systems, communications and Office software, Microsoft has steadily increased its presence in the healthcare IT market, mainly by purchasing companies operating in the sector.

This month, it announced the purchase of single sign on specialist Sentillion and said it would add its products to its Amalga unified intelligence system product stack. It has also developed the personal health record platform Health Vault in the US and is looking to bring it to Europe.

“We believe in the importance of cross-industry collaboration to drive transformation in healthcare in close co-operation with key stakeholders,” said Microsoft public sector EMEA vice president Niels Solberg. “Membership of COCIR will help us to achieve this.”

Link: COCIR