Health IT Provider Announces Distribution Agreement for eFilm Software in Brazil

Merge Healthcare (Milwaukee, WI, USA), a health information technology (IT) solutions provider, announced a new distribution agreement with Microdata Tecnologia, LTDA (Brazil), a picture archiving and communications system (PACS) and medical imaging technology manufacturer in Brazil.

Under the agreement, Microdata Tecnologia will have exclusive access to a Portuguese language version of eFilm Workstation, the world's most downloaded software for viewing medical images. Microdata Tecnologia will replace the viewing component of their current PACS solution with eFilm Workstation and distribute the solution through their existing sales force, as well as through a customized eCommerce engine based upon Merge's existing eStore.

"We are happy to partner with Merge Healthcare to bring eFilm Workstation, a highly-regarded and well-known diagnostic workstation within Brazil, to our large customer base,” explained Franco Motta, CEO of Microdata Tecnologia. "Our ability to leverage eFilm as a solution for institutions of all sizes will also help us to grow our PACS business and expand our product line into other solutions and services. Longer term, we are interested in working together to expand into additional Merge Healthcare solutions, which we believe would be well-received within Brazil.”

Brazil is one of the fastest growing emerging markets in the world, according to global research and growth consulting firm Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA), and currently spends 8% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on healthcare. The PACS market in Brazil is estimated to grow at a 32.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2005-2015, driven by overall healthcare technology adoption, and the efficiency and workflow improvements providers gain by using PACS solutions. Frost & Sullivan places Microdata as a top-tier competitor in the Brazilian market, with well over 20% market share.

"Microdata Tecnologia LTDA is an ideal partner for Merge Healthcare in Brazil, as they are an established PACS provider who can integrate with eFilm Workstation,” noted Justin Dearborn, Merge CEO. "Microdata realized that a Portuguese-language version of eFilm Workstation can help expand its reach in Brazil at a time when many imaging practices are making the transition to digital imaging. We look forward to expanding the reach and value of eFilm Workstation through this partnership and to exploring similar opportunities across our extensive portfolio of medical imaging and interoperability solutions.”

The new Portuguese-language version of eFilm Workstation that Merge will release to Microdata Tecnologia joins a growing list of translated versions, including Spanish, Japanese, Russian, and Polish language versions. Moreover, Merge will create a customized eCommerce engine based on Merge's current eCommerce system, which has generated tens of thousands of downloads and licensed users worldwide.

Merge Healthcare develops and integrates information technology to create a better electronic healthcare experience. Merge products range from standards-based development toolkits to sophisticated clinical applications.

"Operating since 1999, Microdata has specialized in digital capturing, processing, and the distribution of medical images, achieving national recognition and a standard of excellence in medical imaging. Microdata today occupies a leading position in the market, and is the leading Brazil-based vendor in the medical imaging informatics industry. Through continued pursuit of our pioneering spirit and commitment to quality, Microdata is able to provide customers with leading technologies and effective tools for information and image management. Microdata is driven by the goal of bringing all hospitals and clinics full access to modern technologies, such as DICOM [Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine] and digital imaging, at the lowest possible cost. Microdata solutions allow customers a considerable gain in productivity and faster return on investment.”

Related Links:
Merge Healthcare
Microdata Tecnologia