IT giant Siemens AG has agreed to license Microsoft's HealthVault application for use among German citizens.
HealthVault is a personal health application platform designed to allow individuals to store their health information, including immunizations, disease history and prescriptions, in an online account.
The agreement between the two companies aims to "enable German citizens to connect to various systems run by physicians, hospitals, pharmacies and even fitness facilities for a comprehensive view of their personal health information," according to a Microsoft statement.
Siemens will exclusively operate HealthVault in the German market. Germany is the third country worldwide and the first in Europe where HealthVault has been deployed. Microsoft launched HealthVault in the United States in 2007 and in Canada in 2009 through a partnership with Telus.
"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," said Angelika Gifford, senior director of the public sector and member of management at Microsoft Germany. "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."
Photo by surber obtained via Creative Commons license
