IMS Health and Microsoft Form Alliance to Deliver Facets Solution

Strategic Insights -

IMS Health, the world's leading provider of information solutions to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, has announced an alliance with Microsoft Corp. to deliver the Facets managed care administration solution on a Microsoft platform. The partnership aims to provide integrated delivery systems and managed care organizations with a powerful and cost-effective solution for enhancing patient care and reducing costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The alliance between IMS Health and Microsoft will provide managed care organizations with a full Microsoft solution, including the Facets client/server system, developed on a SQL Server 7.0 database alternative.
  • The new Facets and Microsoft solution will be developed on Compaq's server platform and is scheduled to be available in the fourth quarter of 1999.
  • The Facets platform will exploit dramatic increases in server processing speed and Microsoft operating system advances, benefiting Erisco and customers alike.
  • Erisco will adopt the Microsoft BackOffice platform and fully embrace Microsoft's COM/DCOM base architecture.
  • The Microsoft BackOffice platform will provide a robust development environment, enabling MCOs to create flexible, functional, and interoperable IT enterprises.
  • SQL Server 7.0 enables independent software vendors and customers to build and deploy scalable business solutions.
  • IMS HEALTH operates in over 90 countries, with more than $1.2 billion in 1998 revenue.

Statistics:

  • 1998 revenue: $1.2 billion (IMS Health)
  • Number of countries IMS Health operates in: over 90
  • Number of years IMS Health has been in the industry: over 40
  • Microsoft's market share in the software industry: worldwide leader (personal computers)

Sources:

  • "IMS Health Announces Alliance with Microsoft Corp. to Deliver Facets Managed Care Administration Solution" (BW HEALTHWIRE, March 30, 1999)
  • Microsoft Corporation, Microsoft Webpage (http://www.microsoft.com/presspass)
  • IMS Health press release, IMS HEALTH Webpage (http://www.imshealth.com)