IBM, a technology and consulting company based in Armonk, N.Y., purchased Truven Health Analytics in a $2.6 million deal, according to The New York Times.
Here are five insights:
1. Through its acquisition, IBM will have access to the data of more than 200 million patients.
2. IBM's most recent acquisition is one of four since IBM created Watson Health in April. IBM hopes to expand its Watson Health business through its purchase of Truven Health Analytics.
3. IBM has spent more than $4 billion on its four acquisitions, including its purchase of Explorys and Phytel.
4. Using Watson' artificial intelligence software to run patient data, IBM hopes the technology will work as a "specialized digital assistant" to help physicians and health administrators improve care while reducing costs.
5. In 2015, IBM's Watson Healthcare had sales reaching $18 billion.
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