IMS HEALTH, Xerox In Database Pact

IMS HEALTH announced that it has signed a collaborative agreement with Xerox Corporation to enhance the IDRAC pharmaceutical regulatory database using Xerox's askOnce document search technology. The two companies plan to offer a parallel search facility for both IDRAC and internal company documents. The announcement was made at the Drug Information Association Annual Meeting, held in San Diego, CA, June 11 - 15. IMS HEALTH is a leading provider of information solutions to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

"The DIA meeting is the perfect setting to share news of this agreement with the industry," said Deborah Burns, Xerox pharmaceutical sector business manager. "Xerox is pleased to be working with IMS HEALTH's IDRAC, clearly a global key player in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs. We believe our strategic approach to knowledge management is a crucial asset to the regulatory process. Joining forces will bring numerous enhancements to the end-user."

Developed to help pharmaceutical companies register products more quickly, the Web-based IDRAC (International Drug Registration Assisted by Computer) is the healthcare industry's most complete, up-to-date and easy-to-use database compilation of the regulatory documents and texts shaping the global pharmaceutical market. Containing more than 14,000 documents, IDRAC covers the U.S., Europe, CEE and Japan, with coverage available for Canada later this summer. More information about IDRAC can be found at www.eu.imshealth.com/idrac . IDRAC can also be accessed through i-squared, IMS HEALTH's pharmaceutical industry Internet portal.

"This alliance illustrates IDRAC's confidence in Xerox knowledge management tools for the purpose of offering synergistic services to our customers," said Claude Basset, deputy general manager, IDRAC, IMS HEALTH.

The implementation of askOnce across IDRAC's database will mean simplified and more powerful searches through both IDRAC and internal company documents; a single, simple-to-use search interface for both IDRAC and company documents; and better-targeted search capabilities through customization of relevant information sources for regulatory affairs professionals.

"We are building on a history of collaboration and look forward to exciting new opportunities," said Chris Thompson, Xerox Industrial Knowledge Program Manager.

Xerox and IDRAC also will be discussing additional opportunities to provide enhanced offerings to the industry.

Xerox Corporation is a $19 billion enterprise serving the worldwide document processing market. It develops, manufactures, markets, services and finances a full range of products and services that make businesses more productive. For more information, visit www.xerox.com.

IMS HEALTH is a leading provider of information solutions to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. With $1.4 billion in 1999 revenue, IMS HEALTH operates in over 100 countries. IMS HEALTH is the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer information partner, with over 40 years' experience in the industry. Key products and services integral to customer day-to-day operations include market research for prescription and over-thecounter pharmaceutical products and sales management information to optimize sales force productivity. Additional information available at the IMS HEALTH Web site: www.imshealth.com.