ECRI (www.ecri.org) an independent, nonprofit health services research agency, announces immediate plans to phase out the future development and support of its HECS4 computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Because of the need for Internet-based software and other technological advancements, ECRI has aligned with an established CMMS software company, Phoenix Data Systems (Phoenix), Inc. (www.goaims.com).

ECRIs commitment to HECS4 customers and to quality products was paramount in its choice of Phoenix and its AIMS.NET software. Phoenix has nearly 25 years of experience as a CMMS software developer and has continually supported and enhanced the AIMS Equipment Maintenance Management software, culminating in AIMS.NET, an established and complete Internet-based software application.

We are excited about our collaboration with Phoenix Data Systems and we believe that this provides a great opportunity for our HECS customers to upgrade to an excellent state-of-the-art equipment management system, says Jim Keller, ECRIs Vice President for Health Technology Evaluation and Safety and ECRI project lead for the collaboration effort.


The collaboration of ECRI and Phoenix allows both organizations to focus on their strengths and capitalize on their respective relationships with hospitals throughout North America and worldwide. As part of the terms of the new contract, ECRI and Phoenix will collaborate on marketing AIMS.NET to North American users of HECS4. In addition, Phoenix has appointed ECRI as the exclusive international distributor for the AIMS.NET product and services.

We are pleased to welcome the HECS4 users to our AIMS.NET family. Their contribution to the advancement of AIMS.NET combined with the opportunities that ECRI brings, makes the future very exciting for all of us, says Ben Mannisto, President of Phoenix Data Systems.

ECRI will cease further development of the HECS4 product and will phase out support over a two-year period. ECRI negotiated special pricing accommodations to assist with the transition from HECS4 to AIMS.NET and recommends that existing HECS4 users contact Phoenix Data Systems for formal price quotations.

ECRI is a Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization and an Evidence-based Practice Center as designated by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. ECRI provides information and technical assistance to the healthcare community to support safe and cost-effective patient care. The results of ECRIs research and experience are available through its publications, information systems, technical assistance, laboratory services, professional seminars, and conferences. Strictly enforced conflict-of-interest rules help ensure an unbiased approach to projects. These rules prohibit investments in or gifts from the medical device and pharmaceutical industries and apply to ECRI and all staff members. Staff members income tax returns are audited for compliance with these rules. ECRI does not accept advertising.

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