HP Introduces TraceMaster ECG Management System on Microsoft Windows NT Platform; First System to Offer Web-Based Editing of ECGs as Standard Feature

Business Wire, August 17, 1999

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 17, 1999--

Hewlett-Packard Company today announced that its HP TraceMaster ECG management system is now available on the Microsoft(R) Windows NT(R) platform and is designed to easily integrate into an existing IT infrastructure. The new standards-based HP TraceMaster on NT is the first system to offer universal access and true, Web-based editing of 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) data as standard features.

The 12-lead ECG is a core diagnostic tool for the assessment of cardiovascular health and status. A typical midsized hospital in the United States may compile tens of thousands of ECGs per year from within the hospital, as well as from satellite facilities, physician offices and other prehospital settings. The new HP TraceMaster on NT is designed to help clinicians and ECG technicians manage this large volume of data by providing universal access, editing and sharing of current and historical ECGs from virtually any PC via a standard Web browser.

"Our new HP TraceMaster ECG management system on NT neatly integrates into existing healthcare-information systems while offering clinicians expanded access to this powerful clinical application from any Internet connection," said Krys Niklarz, cardiology information product manager for HP's Healthcare Solutions Group. "By incorporating best-in-class technologies, such as dynamic HTML, Java(R), XML and SSL, we have created a reliable, secure solution built to handle immense volumes of data."

HP TraceMaster on NT uses a Microsoft SQL server relational database and an ODBC interface for reliable storage and easy access to data, as well as flexible reporting and connectivity of patient information. This technology enables customers to connect to standard reporting packages, such as Seagate Crystal Reports, to create custom reports for research, educational or administrative purposes.

The three-tier client/server architecture incorporates TCP/IP network protocol to simplify expansion over a local area network. Access via a standard Web browser eliminates the need for PC software or costly dedicated platforms. HP TraceMaster on NT can connect to a hospital information system for long-term record storage and integration into hospital information, billing and financial systems through an HL7 interface.

"We want an efficient system that will improve patient care and simplify the handling of information from our end," said David Travers, director of Information Technology for Maine Medical Center, in Portland, Maine. "We currently have many different operating systems, so the move to NT will streamline our systems. Our ideal is to have a system where information is just a click away, and HP TraceMaster on NT is as close as we can get to that."

HP TraceMaster on NT is scalable to meet various customer requirements. More than 1 million ECGs can be stored and accessed providing up-to-the-minute data.

The Windows NT platform allows users to receive, print, display, store, compare, edit, fax or back-up data simultaneously. A new Java-based graphical user interface incorporates pop-up menus and online help to simplify the editing and annotation of ECGs.

About HP's Healthcare Solutions Group

HP's Healthcare Solutions Group is a worldwide leader of acute-care patient monitoring, cardiovascular ultrasound imaging and clinical-information systems for critical care; as well as services, support and supplies for the healthcare industry. The group has 5,400 employees and had revenues of more than $1.3 billion in its 1998 fiscal year. Information about HP's Healthcare Solutions Group can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com/go/medical/.> About HP

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services for business and home -- is focused on capitalizing on the opportunities of the Internet and the proliferation of electronic services.

HP had computer-related revenue of $39.5 billion in its 1998 fiscal year. HP plans to launch a new company consisting of its industry-leading test-and-measurement, semiconductor products, chemical-analysis and medical businesses. These businesses represented $7.6 billion of HP's total revenue in fiscal 1998. With leading positions in multiple market segments, this technology-based company will focus on opportunities such as communications and life sciences.

HP has 123,000 employees worldwide and had total revenue of $47.1 billion in its 1998 fiscal year. Information about HP, its products and the company's Year 2000 program can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.

Note: Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. Windows NT is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. Java is a U.S. trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Note to Editors: All reader inquiries for HP should be forwarded to Hewlett-Packard Company Healthcare Solutions Group, Attn: Julie Deforge, 425 Medford Street, Boston, MA 02129-1420, or 1-800-934-7372 ext. 1033.