International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM)is hoping that Watson can play a key role in the administration of health care. The company recently came up with Watson Health, a unit aimed at leveraging Watson’s capabilities to helping with addressing health issues. Although there are systems that already help with storing of health data, Watson is promising to do more like incorporating useful medical notes to that data.
There is no longer doubt that International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) is serious about expanding the mandate of Watson into healthcare sector. In the latest move, IBM has opened Watson Health office in Cambridge,Massachusetts, and that is clearly a strategic location. Massachusetts is the home to some of the most renowned biotech/pharmaceutical firms and some of the best research universities in the country.
Adding value to health data
International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) already understands that here are many health record systems that help with data storage and backup. With that in mind, IBM wants to focus Watson on something different. Among other things, Watson Health will be able to analyze the massive healthcare data, make sense of it and add value to it by including useful medical notes from nurses and doctors.
Getting there
Watson Health is recruiting strategic partners. The Columbia University Medical Center and Boston Children’s Hospital are some of the medical facilities that have already entered into partnership with Watson Health, and there is more.
Medtronic PLC (NYSE:MDT)and Johnson & Johnson(NYSE:JNJ)are also some of the big names in the drug industry that IBM is courting to deepen Watson Health’s play in the health sector.Moreover, IBM has also partnered with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) in projects like ResearchKit and HealthKit, and these initiatives are expected to benefit Watson Health.
Tapping talents
Watson’s interested in taking on greater healthcare responsibilities goes beyond creating and assembly of relevant partners. International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) has also been grabbing great talents to bolster Watson’s healthcare agenda. The company announced that theformer CEO of Philips Healthcare, DeborahDiSanzo, will head Watson Health as the general manager.
Sources: digitaltrends
