ViPS MCSource Adds DB2 Functionality

ViPS, the iTechnology of Healthcare, has added DB2 Universal Database, IBM's high-performance e-business database, as a new feature for managed care clients who use MCSource, ViPS' market-leading medical management decision support system (DSS).

MCSource is a high-performance data warehouse DSS solution with a strong track record of transforming data into powerful information intelligence. Its advanced methodology empowers healthcare analysts and decision makers to make clinical and financial decisions better and faster, independent of information systems department support. The addition of IBM's DB2 Universal Database is part of a corporate product expansion strategy to make MCSource available on leading data management platforms.

"As a leading provider of healthcare DSS solutions, we maintain a high standard of performance," said Jenny Morgan, ViPS' president and chief executive officer. "We've taken one of our best-of-breed products, ensured its working viability with successful implementations and performance measures, and are transforming the technical architecture of MCSource into a truly multiple-platform environment. Our commitment to the marketplace is paramount, and with IBM's DB2 Universal Database plus other expansion initiatives, we can better serve our clients and meet their operational requirements."

"MCSource is the only solution that fulfills the data complexity, performance, and volume demands of large health plans," said Kevin Barber, chief technology officer of ViPS. "But its complex data model requires a powerful, flexible database engine. We're now in a position to offer MCSource in either Red Brick, the product's current underlying database engine, or in IBM's e- business solution that incorporates the DB2 Universal Database. Both platforms deliver high performance from a query response time and a database loading perspective -- issues critical to successfully addressing the information challenges of the healthcare marketplace."

"Customers need their e-business solutions to be flexible, scalable, and provide 24x7 availability. With IBM's DB2 Universal Database as the foundation for ViPS, together, we offer our customers this capability without changing the look and feel of MCSource," said Jim Kelly, vice president of marketing, IBM Data Management Solutions. "This relationship between IBM and ViPS will provide the healthcare industry with a powerful, easy-to-implement analytical database solution."

IBM Global Healthcare develops and delivers flexible, innovative solutions -- consulting services, hardware, software, and support programs that help businesses meet the challenges of a networked marketplace. As the foundation for e-business, DB2 Universal Database is the industry's first multimedia, Web-ready relational database management system. DB2 combines integrated power for business intelligence, content management, enterprise information portals, and e-business with industry-leading performance and reliability to drive the most demanding industry solutions. For more information about IBM products and services, please contact them at www.ibm.com.

A privately held corporation in operation for over 20 years, ViPS addresses critical financial and clinical requirements with its advanced anti- fraud software, claims processing software, medical management decision support software, ASP services, Web-enabled collaborative software, and consulting expertise. Located in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area, ViPS' national scope of business includes office locations serving major metropolitan centers across the country and a diverse mix of clients, from large health plans to managed care organizations to federal contractors. For more information on ViPS, please visit www.vips.com, mcsource@vips.com, or call 888-289- 8477.

Contact Rebecca Susic of ViPS Inc, 410-832-8300 or Susan Hoffman of IBM, 914-642-5407.