Connect Imaging Introduces Innovative DVDCopy System; Easy-to-Use System Facilitates Offsite Image Storage to Meet New HIPAA Security Requirements.

HONOLULU -- Connect Imaging Inc., a developer of easy-to-use, affordable picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) for small- and medium-size hospitals and imaging centers, today announced the launch of DVDCopy. This stand-alone product enables any PACS user to meet the April 21, 2005, deadline for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) security rules, which require hospitals and imaging centers to keep archived copies of imaging studies offsite.

Philip J. Manly, CHP, DABR, chief executive officer of Connect Imaging, sees DVDCopy as an example of the company's commitment to providing innovative solutions as the regulatory environment evolves. "The process of manually saving images to disks or tapes for offsite storage is time-consuming and inefficient," Manly said. "Our first stand-alone, plug-and-play product, DVDCopy provides a simple way to automatically gather and store images. We specifically designed it to fit seamlessly into the imaging department's workflow. Not only does it provide a quick solution for hospitals and imaging centers striving to comply with HIPAA security requirements, but it also enhances productivity."

DVDCopy is a novel system combining software and hardware whose sole function is to automatically burn copies of digital images for offsite storage. The method is simple: DVDCopy automatically receives all images via Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) transfer protocol from any authorized DICOM Storage Class User. When it has received enough studies to fill a DVD, the system sends the burn job to a DVD "jukebox." Each DVD produced carries a label with the job number, facility name, and date range for the studies it contains. Only then is it ejected from the DVD burner component into an output bin. Designated personnel monitor the output bin and take the DVDs to the offsite storage location.

From its incorporation in 1999, Connect Imaging has focused on providing the medical community with methods to increase productivity. "We began selling a simple, film-based teleradiology program for isolated island medical communities in Hawaii," Manly said. "Today, we take pride in the development of cost-effective tools to handle the full range of electronic medical images, whether they were originally derived from film or from digital technologies. Our full-featured PACS systems are easy to use and affordable, and our service reputation is excellent."

Connect Imaging is based in Honolulu and maintains its assembly, testing, and technical support facilities in Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.connectimaging.com.