REDMOND, Wash. — June 17, 2014 — PHT Corporation, the leading provider of technologies used to collect patient-driven electronic data for clinical research, has selected Dell Venue 11 Pro tablets featuring Windows 8.1 to run its SitePad® System. The SitePad System replaces traditional paper data collection methods in clinical research with electronic methods, providing better-quality data, real-time access to that data and, ultimately, faster time to data analysis for pharmaceutical trial sponsors. The SitePad System is used in clinical trials to collect clinician- and patient-reported outcomes for supporting label claims of new therapies.

PHT selected the Dell Venue 11 Pro with Windows 8.1 for the SitePad platform because the device provides a superior user experience. The Venue has a high-resolution touch screen that supports greater ease of use for both clinicians and patients. In addition to providing a superior user experience, the Dell Venue provides multiple modes of data communications including Wi-Fi, Ethernet and an embedded 4G card.

PHT chose the Windows 8.1 tablets because of the flexibility and security aspects of Microsoft technology and because the solution allows PHT to increase the quality of real-time site-based data capture for trial participants and clinicians. It also allows PHT to run custom software that helps decrease clinical trial costs for sponsors by reducing time spent downstream resolving missing and inconsistent data. The superior end-user experience helps provide additional convenience and comfort for end users, enabling rapid entry of electronic source clinical data.

“Paper is no longer the gold standard, and clinical trial sponsors are rapidly abandoning paper methods for collecting critical information about how patients feel and function in addition to key clinician observations and assessments,” said Sheila Rocchio, vice president of Marketing & Product Management at PHT. “PHT is helping to lead the electronic transformation in clinical research by providing reliable, easy-to-use and regulatory-compliant systems that increase data quality and protocol compliance and reduce costs in monitoring and data management. In one recent trial, the SitePad System saved the sponsor more than 30 percent over the cost of paper.”

PHT has purchased more than 2,000 Dell Venue 11 Pros, which will be deployed at clinical trial sites around the globe. Each SitePad is configured for a specific study protocol and used by clinicians and patients participating in the trial to collect study-specific assessments. Data collected on the SitePad device are sent to StudyWorksTM, the PHT online portal that provides real-time information about compliance as well as key measures used for study operations and patient safety monitoring. Each tablet is preconfigured with study-specific schedules, assessments and questionnaires. Patient and clinician compliance with SitePad on average exceeds 98.5 percent.

“The Dell Venue 11 Pro with Windows 8.1 is a modern and sleek device that both patients and clinicians enjoy using — the usability testing feedback has been excellent,” Rocchio said. “Sponsors are also very excited about the embedded 4G modem in the Dell Venue 11 Pro, which eliminates the need for an additional wireless hotspot, making setup much easier.”

More information about how organizations are turning to Microsoft technology is available on the Microsoft Customer Spotlight newsroom.

About PHT Corporation

PHT Corporation is the eClinical innovator leading the adoption of patient-driven mobile apps for better clinical research. The PHT electronic clinical outcome assessment (eCOA) system collects and reports secure real-time patient data from the latest mobile devices. PHT scientific, regulatory and technological expertise combined with quality outcomes data enable clients to make decisions with confidence. Sponsors and CROs have leveraged the PHT Patient Suite in 650+ trials resulting in 16+ regulatory approvals. Visit phtcorp.com for more information on PHT. Follow PHT on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

REDMOND, Wash. — June 17, 2014 — Microsoft Corp. and American Family Insurance are launching a unique business accelerator for startups focused on home automation. The accelerator will help the next generation of startups create advancements that can help lead to safer and smarter homes. Startups interested in participating in the Microsoft Ventures Accelerator in partnership with American Family Insurance can apply now at http://www.microsoftventures.com/accelerators/seattle.

The new Microsoft Ventures Accelerator was announced at the tech company’s Global Startup Day in San Francisco, celebrating startups from several of its programs around the world that are seeing market traction. Microsoft currently runs startup accelerators in Bangalore, Beijing, Berlin, London, Paris and Tel Aviv. The new accelerator will be hosted on its campus in Redmond and conducted September through December. By working with American Family Insurance, a leading multiline insurance company, the program will connect startups with experts in the industry.

“Home automation is ripe for startup innovation,” said Steve Guggenheimer, corporate vice president, Developer Experience and Evangelism for Microsoft. “We are working closely with American Family Insurance to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for entrepreneurs in our accelerator. Startups accepted into the program will gain critical industry insight to build companies with the potential to have an enormous impact on our lives.”

The accelerator provides mentorship, workspace and an immersive experience focused on launching world-class companies with an eye on the global marketplace. American Family Insurance, the eighth largest homeowners’ insurer in the U.S., will provide deep industry experience, important consumer insights and a wealth of homeowner knowledge that would be impossible for young companies to gain access to on their own. American Family Insurance is also offering a minimum optional $25,000 equity investment in each startup accepted into the program.

“We are focused on helping early stage companies bring new products and services to market that can make our policyholders’ homes and lives safer,” said Dan Reed, managing director at American Family Ventures. “Working closely with startups and making early-stage investments in emerging technology companies is a great way to support the ecosystem and also benefit our customers. We look forward to working with the next generation of companies that are reimagining the connected home.”

About American Family Insurance

Based in Madison, Wis., American Family Insurance offers auto insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance, business insurance and farm/ranch insurance in 19 states. American Family insurance is the nation’s third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company and ranks 373rd on the Fortune 500 list. Learn more at www.amfam.com.

About American Family Ventures

American Family Ventures, the direct venture capital arm of American Family Insurance, makes early stage investments in emerging technology companies as part of its commitment to proactively protect policyholders, present and future. To learn more about how American Family Ventures is fueling entrepreneurs’ dreams, visit http://amfamventures.com.

About Microsoft Ventures

Microsoft Ventures is a global initiative to help entrepreneurs build great companies. Working with startups at every stage of maturity, the initiative provides tools, resources and expertise to help startups succeed. Visit Microsoft Ventures at www.microsoftventures.com to learn more about how Microsoft is helping the next generation of smart companies take flight.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.