IBM to sell Watson Health assets

IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced today that it will sell healthcare data and analytics assets from its Watson Health business to Francisco Partners.

Financial terms were not disclosed for the deal, expected to close in the second quarter of this year subject to customary regulatory clearances. But Bloomberg cites people familiar with the plans saying that the deal size is close to $1 billion.

“Today’s agreement with Francisco Partners is a clear next step as IBM becomes even more focused on our platform-based hybrid cloud and AI strategy,” said Tom Rosamilia, SVP of IBM Software.

“IBM remains committed to Watson, our broader AI business, and to the clients and partners we support in healthcare IT. Through this transaction, Francisco Partners acquires data and analytics assets that will benefit from the enhanced investment and expertise of a healthcare-industry-focused portfolio,” Rosamilia said in a news release.

Current management will remain in s…

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DTW Podcast: KCK’s Long says deals getting done during COVID era

Karen Long, managing director at KCK Group

In this week’s DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, Karen Long, managing director at KCK Group, says startups looking for funding have an opportunity to catch the eye and ear of investors.

KCK, an active medtech investor, has been involved in two sizable investments this summer including Aerin Medical and NeuroPace. Both were portfolio companies, but Long says KCK is in the market for new deals.

“We’re looking at companies and where we have the ability to take these ZOOM calls and take pitches that would have normally required a lot of travel and a lot of time to plan,” Long said in this week’s episode.”  We can do it in a half hour, 45 minutes and at least we have the introduction and can see if it makes sense to continue.”

Medtech executives looking for more insight on the fundraising market can register for today’s DeviceTalks Tuesday discussion where …

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DTW Podcast: KCK’s Long says deals getting done during COVID era

Karen Long, managing director at KCK Group

In this week’s DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, Karen Long, managing director at KCK Group, says startups looking for funding have an opportunity to catch the eye and ear of investors.

KCK, an active medtech investor, has been involved in two sizable investments this summer including Aerin Medical and NeuroPace. Both were portfolio companies, but Long says KCK is in the market for new deals.

“We’re looking at companies and where we have the ability to take these ZOOM calls and take pitches that would have normally required a lot of travel and a lot of time to plan,” Long said in this week’s episode.”  We can do it in a half hour, 45 minutes and at least we have the introduction and can see if it makes sense to continue.”

Medtech executives looking for more insight on the fundraising market can register for today’s DeviceTalks Tuesday discussion where …

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IBM uncovers software vulnerability that could affect insulin pumps

A team of IBM security researchers uncovered a potential vulnerability in software from Thales that could affect insulin pumps.

IBM’s “X-Force Red” team discovered the internet of things (IoT) vulnerability that can be remotely exploited in September 2019 with Thales’ Cinterion EHS8 M2M module, according to a report from SecurityIntelligence.

The software is used in several internet-connected devices, which include medical monitoring devices such as insulin pumps for people with diabetes.

Thales confirmed the vulnerability can affect other modules within the same product line of the EHS8 (BGS5, EHS5/6/8, PDS5/6/8, ELS61, ELS81, PLS62), all of which are mini circuit boards that enable mobile communication in IoT devices.

According to the report, the modules store and run code containing confidential information, creating the potential for attackers to gain control of devices or networks and conduct widespread attacks, like o…

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