Microsoft Unveils Cloud Tools Tailored for Health Care Systems

Microsoft Corp. unveiled a package of cloud software designed for health care systems, starting with a free trial to help the industry weather a viral pandemic that is both increasing the need for technology solutions and putting hospitals in financial peril.

Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare includes tools that allow for digital triage, telemedicine and coordination of care using internet-based services, chat and conferencing apps.  The product, unveiled Tuesday as part of a virtual version of the company’s annual Build conference for software developers, is Microsoft’s first industry-specific cloud-computing offering. It’s available now via a preview and free trial for the next six months.