ASTRONOMY

"Today more than 50 of the world's leading analytical instrument and tools companies are using IBM middleware, server platforms and services to develop comprehensive solutions for the life sciences marketplace. The depth and breadth of our technology portfolio makes IBM uniquely positioned to help manufacturers bring the most complete capabilities to this fast-growing industry," said Scott Jenkins, Ph.D., Devices & Diagnostics segment executive, IBM Life Sciences. "As complexity grows, more manufacturers are turning to automated, remote service solutions to ensure maximum instrument uptime. By teaming with Axeda, we are helping make it fast, easy and profitable for IBM Business Partners to take advantage of the latest in Device Relationship Management technology." "As articulated by their autonomic computing initiative, IBM executives understand the value of self-managing systems for IT environments. Our Axeda Device Relationship Management System is now bringing similar benefits to medical instruments," said Robert M. Russell Jr., chairman and CEO, Axeda Systems. "Many of the world's most successful instrument manufacturers have already selected Axeda to enable proactive, remote service capabilities and our products are today deployed in hundreds of hospitals and labs. Together with IBM, we are well positioned to bring these benefits to more manufacturers, faster -- ultimately enabling their customers to focus on helping people rather than managing their equipment." Axeda and IBM Life Sciences will collaborate on a range of joint marketing, sales, and educational programs designed to accelerate the adoption of their solutions. The Axeda(R) Device Relationship Management System(TM) lets instrument manufacturers monitor, manage, and service intelligent devices deployed at remote customer sites anywhere in the world -- cost effectively and in real time. They rapidly gain competitive advantage by increasing their operating efficiency and profitability while simultaneously increasing customer satisfaction and retention. The Axeda DRM(TM) system allows the secure transmission of instrument data via the Internet from remote equipment to service representatives, alerting them if a device is operating outside preset performance standards. Unlike telephone-based systems, Axeda DRM leverages patent-pending Firewall-Friendly(TM) communications technology and existing network security within medical facilities. These and other features enable life sciences users to comply with regulations protecting patient information such as 21 CFR Part 11 and HIPAA. Axeda DRM helps minimize support calls and time on the phone, reduces the number of costly, unscheduled or unnecessary service visits, and increases device uptime to further enhance customer productivity and satisfaction. Axeda DRM also enables new, high-value managed-service offerings such as automated consumable replenishment, system software upgrades and pay-for-use billing approaches such as cost-per-reportable programs. IBM Life Sciences and its business partners offer clinical development solutions to help improve the efficiency of clinical trial management. Combined with IBM's core strength in providing robust technology and global services, the IBM Life Sciences business unit delivers innovative, scalable infrastructure solutions that are unique to the life sciences industry. These solutions include scalable, rugged workstations for laboratory instrumentation, high performance computing systems, knowledge management products, secure e-business infrastructure, and comprehensive, disaster- tolerant open storage solutions. IBM Life Sciences products are backed by IBM Global Services trained professionals who provide the technical expertise to ensure successful development and integration.