SAP, Microsoft expand data access platform

SAP and Microsoft have struck an agreement to expand their Duet platform to offer two new versions, a move the two companies say should offer new options for health information management. The two vendors worked together to create Duet, which lets users access SAP data through Microsoft Office. The software allows users to perform many types of common transactions, including travel management, purchasing and scheduling, already resident within SAP. The interface could also support healthcare functions such as benefits administration, appointment scheduling and EMR access.

Along the way, SAP execs have suggested that Duet can help healthcare organizations offer smart self-service applications--and highlighting that is probably a smart move on their part. As today's issue notes (see below), healthcare organizations are jumping at long last into self-service apps, so if Duet performs as promised, self-service could be one of its major uses.

To learn more about Duet:
- read this Healthcare IT News article

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