HIMSS launch online forum for healthcare organizations, vendors. Image Source : ECRI Institute

Microsoft and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) have announced the availability of the Microsoft Health Users Group (HUG) across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), providing healthcare organizations and partners with an online venue to facilitate the development of healthcare solutions and demonstrate how technology can help solve healthcare challenges.

Microsoft said its HUG forum is designed as a venue for partners and developers of healthcare technology solutions to collaborate on aspects of solutions built on Microsoft platforms; to discover new uses for existing technology, development support, collaboration and networking with peers; and to discuss needs and desires arising from the current use of healthcare IT.

After several years of collaboration on the forum, Microsoft HUG’s membership currently comprises more than 5,000 members and 31 corporate supporters across North America, and is unified by an interest in implementing vendor- and user-developed software based on Microsoft technology.

The Microsoft HUG EMEA community, hosted within the existing Microsoft HUG site, will give members access to a resource that connects solutions, experts and peers to a sphere of influence and education. Members receive the following benefits:

• Access to technology from Microsoft and independent industry experts;
• A forum to voice opinions, learn from peers and shape healthcare IT;
• Opportunities to network with professionals who can enhance careers; and
• Online interaction to help professionals connect with others.

With the launch of the EMEA community, Microsoft and HIMSS said that they will be able to strengthen their commitment to better serve the industry through a shared vision—to provide industry leadership, drive appropriate standards and develop requirements in support of healthcare solutions.