Telstra targets health tech sector
Telstra has continued its aggressive move into the health sector, acquiring Australian e-health cloud software developer Cloud9 and Indian health software developer IdeaObject.
The terms of the deals were not disclosed, but the purchase is another example of Telstra's move to broaden its scope outside its traditional telecommunications businesses.
Telstra created the stand-alone Telstra Health unit in October, which includes Perth online GP-booking start-up success story Health Engine, also part-owned by Seven West Media, publisher of _The West Australian _.
Sydney-based Cloud9's GP software program is used by more than 2000 GPs and processes more than 325,000 patient interactions a week.
Chennai-based IdeaObject, which will be merged with Cloud9's operations, concentrates on cloud-based information management solutions for big healthcare facilities. Its systems are used in about 250 hospitals and clinics across India and Thailand.
The new combined company will operate as a stand-alone subsidiary of Telstra Health but will be integrated into the broader Telstra Health strategy.
The company has been promoting the Telstra Healthcare Blueprint to the healthcare community, which it describes as "rationalised ICT infrastructure that connects clinicians, administrators, patients and the wider community".
Telstra Health managing director Shane Solomo said the acquisitions were core developments of its health businesses' maturity and placed Telstra Health in a unique position in the e-health market in Australia and Asia.
Telstra's share price finished up 1¢ yesterday to $5.98, just short of the 13-year high it reached after Christmas.
