Walgreens Boots Alliance has selected Microsoft as its partner to roll out healthcare delivery models for its Boots operation in the UK and around the world.
The two companies will work together to boost customer engagement and offer a wider range of services to Boots customers using the Microsoft Azure cloud and AI platforms.
A major aspect of the collaboration will be the development of a platform that allows data to be shared between the Walgreens Boot Alliance and healthcare providers to offer customers the best possible experience, including access to virtual healthcare services in-store and on their devices.
This could potentially include personalised services such as palliative care and health management to reduce hospital and GP visits.
Microsoft and Walgreens will launch their partnership with a research and development project to help create new healthcare systems, improve health outcomes and lower the cost of healthcare.
As part of this mission, the two businesses will build innovation centres across the world and finance personnel, including subject experts to contribute to the research.
"Improving health outcomes while lowering the cost of care is a complex challenge that requires broad collaboration and strong partnership between the health care and tech industries," said Satya Nadella, CEO at Microsoft.
"Together with Walgreens Boots Alliance, we aim to deliver on this promise by putting people at the center of their health and wellness, combining the power of the Azure cloud and AI technology and Microsoft 365 with Walgreens Boots Alliance's deep expertise and commitment to helping communities around the world lead healthier and happier lives."
The collaboration will also see Walgreens Boots Alliance develop 12 store-in-store "digital health corners" that will advise customers on health devices and allow them to buy them.
"Our strategic partnership with Microsoft demonstrates our strong commitment to creating integrated, next-generation, digitally enabled health care delivery solutions for our customers, transforming our stores into modern neighbourhood health destinations and expanding customer offerings," said Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of WBA.
