iSoftStone Signs Agreement With Microsoft to Develop Citizen Health Solutions in China Using HealthVault

Digital health innovation center is first step of a joint healthcare effort in Wuxi, China

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REDMOND, Wash., and WUXI, China, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Microsoft Corp. and iSoftStone Information Technology (Group) Co. Ltd. have signed an agreement that enables iSoftStone to introduce Microsoft HealthVault technology to the Chinese market. HealthVault, a personal health application platform, enables individuals to store and manage their health information in a personal, online account. Initially focused on Wuxi, in the province of Jiangsu, the vision of the Microsoft-iSoftStone relationship is to enable citizens to connect to various health systems and services run by government organizations, physicians, hospitals, pharmacies and even fitness facilities for a comprehensive view of their personal health information. iSoftStone will be the exclusive operator of HealthVault in Wuxi and will develop and offer the HealthVault-based services to developers, application providers and device manufacturers to provide citizens with tools that will help foster dynamic, trusted and personalized healthcare.

To accelerate solution development and market adoption, iSoftStone is launching a digital health innovation center in Wuxi, with support from Microsoft. This facility will include a HealthVault datacenter, a test lab for HealthVault software and device developers, and training facilities for solution providers that build on the HealthVault platform. Microsoft and iSoftStone will be responsible for the localization of HealthVault and will lead efforts to identify health and wellness scenarios for which they will recruit or build solutions in-market.

"iSoftStone is very committed to working with world-class partners like Microsoft to advance the healthcare industry in China," said TW Liu, chairman and chief executive officer of iSoftStone. "It also is a great example of how we are uniquely positioned to be the partner of choice for global companies, working both as an IT outsourcing vendor and also as a go-to-market partner to help customers grow their business in the China market."

"We are very pleased to be working with iSoftStone as our first HealthVault partner in China, particularly as the company brings deep, proven market experience and a strong operating platform that can accelerate the delivery of citizen-centric health solutions in Wuxi," said Mark Johnston, director of International Market Development for Microsoft's Health Solutions Group. "With HealthVault, citizens have access to their health information and are empowered to become active partners in their health and wellness, working with their healthcare providers toward a better quality of care for themselves and their families."

Microsoft launched HealthVault in the United States in 2007 and currently has more than 150 organizations connected to the platform, including medical device manufacturers, pharmacies and hospitals. This agreement with iSoftStone marks the fifth country worldwide where the platform will be available, and is the first of its kind in China. With the addition of the HealthVault platform, iSoftStone is accelerating its healthcare initiative to help drive innovation in the China healthcare industry.

About iSoftStone

Founded in 2001, iSoftStone is a leading China-based IT services provider serving both Greater China and global clients. iSoftStone provides an integrated suite of IT services and solutions including Consulting & Solutions, IT Services and BPO services. iSoftStone was certified CMMI Level 5 in 2006, and is certified ISO9001 and ISO27001, and focuses on key client industry verticals including technology, communications, banking, financial services and insurance and energy, transportation and public sector. For more information, please visit www.isoftstone.com.

About Microsoft in Health

Microsoft is committed to improving health around the world through software innovation. Over the past 13 years, Microsoft has steadily increased its investments in health, with a focus on addressing the challenges of health providers, health and social services organizations, payers, consumers and life sciences companies worldwide. Microsoft closely collaborates with a broad ecosystem of partners and develops its own powerful health solutions, such as Amalga and HealthVault. Together, Microsoft and its industry partners are working to deliver health solutions for the way people aspire to work and live.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

SOURCE iSoftStone Information Technology (Group) Co., Ltd.