Verizon and Duke Form Healthcare IT Alliance

New York, N.Y.-based Verizon and Durham, N.C.-based Duke University have agreed to jointly develop health information technology initiatives to drive better care, expanded access, and lower costs. Verizon Connected Healthcare Solutions, the company's healthcare practice group, and Duke will combine technical resources and personnel to focus on projects that leverage the inherent value of advanced communications technologies.

Verizon will provide the computing infrastructure to perform analytical processing and modeling, as well as implementation and operational staffing and resources required for technical development. Duke University will provide personnel including students, research and project management experts, and educational program development staff, as well as intellectual property and other research required for use in program-sponsored initiatives.

The multiyear agreement will tap the collective strengths of both organizations and address the following areas:

Technical Collaboration – Identification and assessment of healthcare-related technologies and solutions for technical and commercial viability, including conception, strategy, development, and testing.

Business Collaboration – A formal internship program under which Duke University students will be assigned to positions within Verizon and work with teams on the development and implementation of strategic business initiatives.

Scientific Advisory Board – Staffed with senior representatives from both organizations, this group will review the progress of initiatives and offer input and guidance to meet program goals.

Business Collaboration – A formal internship program under which Duke University students will be assigned to positions within Verizon and work with teams on the development and implementation of strategic business initiatives.

Scientific Advisory Board – Staffed with senior representatives from both organizations, this group will review the progress of initiatives and offer input and guidance to meet program goals.