Microsoft and Walgreens team up to create new healthcare delivery models

A new team is being created in the endeavor to bring innovation into the consumer healthcare space.

Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) and Microsoft Corp. announced that they will team up to develop new healthcare delivery models, which will include technology and retail innovations to disrupt the healthcare delivery space.

This partnership will combine Microsoft Azure, which is Microsoft's cloud and AI platform with Walgreens' outpatient healthcare and retail footprint. Both companies have committed to a multiyear research and development investment with the vision to build new healthcare solutions to improve outcomes and lower the cost of care.

It’s the second partnership announced between Walgreens and a Silicon Valley tech giant in less than a month. In December, Walgreens and Verily, Alphabet Inc.’s life sciences research arm, announced that they plan to help patients with chronic conditions.

Investments planned to be made by Walgreens and Microsoft include funding, subject matter experts, technology and tools. They will also explore the potential to establish joint innovation centers in key markets.

Along with these steps telehealth software also leads to better healthcare outcomes.