Philips, HP explore possible joint efforts

Philips Medical Systems liked what it saw when it began cooperatingwith Hewlett-Packard in the cardiac catheterization field lastyear. The two firms agreed to integrate HP patient monitoringequipment with Philips' cardiac cath imaging line in November.A joint task force made up of executives from both firms is investigatingformation of a stronger cardiac cath relationship and possiblecooperation in ultrasound (SCAN 2/12/92).

Although nothing about the expanded relationship is definite,the possibilities are intriguing, said Michael P. Moakley, presidentand CEO of Philips Medical Systems North America.

Corporate resources of Dutch parent NV Philips support the fifthlargest nongovernmental R&D organization in the world. Teamedwith HP's extensive R&D capabilities in computer softwareand workstation technologies, much could come out of a technicalpartnership, he said.

Moakley is devoting a good portion of his time to Philips Ultrasoundin Santa Ana, CA, following the departure of general manager ThomasE. Bird this month. A search is under way for a replacement, hesaid.

Philips Ultrasound has been reporting to PMSNA in Shelton, CT,since Jan. 1, although the unit continues to have worldwide responsibilityfor Philips' ultrasound business, he said.

Philips Medical Systems of Best, the Netherlands, targeted ultrasoundlast year for a substantial increase in investment (SCAN 6/19/91).This corporate belief in the long-term growth potential of thePhilips Ultrasound business remains strong, Moakley said.