IBM Expands U.S. Federal Healthcare Practice

IBM announced it will be using its big data and Watson cognitive computing technology in its federal health care practice.

IBM announced that its U.S. Federal Healthcare Practice will be applying its Watson cognitive computing technology to help solve health care problems.

IBM has made new investments in its health care organization to address the rapidly growing technology needs of public-sector health institutions. Big Blue added big data solutions for advanced clinical care from its IBM Watson Group, new collaborations with IBM Research focused on data management and an expansion of the team with the naming of a chief medical information officer for IBM's U.S. health care practice.

"IBM has a proven track record in delivering transformational, value-based health care solutions that can increase the quality of care and lower costs in both the public and private sectors," Anne Altman, general manager of IBM US Federal, said in a statement. "Government leaders recognize that there is a tremendous opportunity to combine new and existing data sources with advancements in technology to find innovative ways to build a sustainable and affordable health care system."