Windows 7: Coming to a Clinician Near You

Microsoft is planning to launch its latest Windows OS version in the upcoming months, and there’s been a lot of talk among interested consumers about what to expect. Dr Bill Crounse, a Senior Director of Worldwide Health for Microsoft, profiles some of the features relevant to the healthcare sector that will be available in the upcoming release of Windows 7.

Tablet PC users will enjoy significantly improved hand-writing recognition. Like many physicians my hand writing is terrible, but Windows 7 is truly amazing in its ability to recognize my scribble. It also learns. The recognition gets better and better the more I use it. The same is true for voice recognition. I just talk to my machine and it does what I want, from opening applications to dictating a letter.
Multi-language user support comes built in. Windows 7 also dramatically increases color support for applications (diagnostic, microscopic, etc.) where more accurate color rendition is critical. The new OS also supports Touch and MultiTouch for a coming generation of machines and screens that will enable vast improvements in the ways we interact with images, graphics, and applications. There are new drivers to support both physical and role-based sensors (like RFID, USID) and new “PlayTo” streaming media capabilities as well as improved support of various media formats. Developers and IT managers will also appreciate improved support for virtualization and federated search capabilities.
Enterprise users will find a lot to like. With DirectAccess, Windows 7 makes it easy to connect to corporate resources without going through a Virtual Private Network. Windows BitLocker™ protects sensitive data (which is just about everything in healthcare) on internal and external drives while advanced network backup and Encrypted File System also protect sensitive data. BranchCache™ decreases the time remote workers need to open files running on the corporate network. AppLocker helps IT staff prevent unauthorized software from running on corporate machines.

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