Microsoft ropes Infy, TCS into health data plan

Infosys Technologies and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) are joining hands with Microsoft Corporation for developing a multi-billion dollar global health care information framework.

Titled "Knowledge Driven Health Plans", the Microsoft initiative aims to standardise genetic information, clinical data and health care systems, including cost involved in availing health care facilities in different countries, by creating a digital backbone with technology and inter-connected electronic networks. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is one of the consultants for the project.

"It is quite early to comment on the financial details of this project as Microsoft has just concluded preliminary discussions on the initiative," said Rajarshi Sengupta, leader for health care practices, PwC India.

Sengupta said Infosys Technologies and TCS had been roped into the project along with 19 other IT and health care service and knowledge providers across the globe.

A TCS spokesperson said, "TCS is participating in the Microsoft initiative as it continues to see growth opportunities in the health care and life sciences segment." Infosys sources said they did not have any details on this project at present.

Other project partners include Acorn Systems, Allin Corp, Allscripts LLC, AmberPoint Inc, Aspect Software Inc, Avanade, Health Dialog, HP, Milliman, Pcubed, Proclarity Corp, Project Assistants Inc, QCSI,Quilogy Inc, SourceCode Technology Holdings Inc, SunGard EXP, Systinet, a division of Mercury Interactive and Washington Publishing Co.