Olicon slashes sales force for OEM focus

PACS and teleradiology vendor Olicon Imaging Systems has apparently cut its direct sales force to focus on its OEM relationship with healthcare information systems firm Shared Medical Systems. Olicon executives declined to return calls seeking comment, but a source close to the situation confirmed the reduction in Olicon’s direct sales force and change in the Aliso Viejo, CA-based company’s direction.

The two firms signed an agreement in August that would allow SMS to offer Olicon’s diagnostic workstations and PACSView teleradiology offerings to its customers. That deal built on a relationship in evidence at the 1997 Radiological Society of North America meeting, where Olicon workstations were displayed in the booth of Malvern, PA-based SMS (SCAN Special Report 12/97). Olicon will be keeping its booth at this year’s RSNA meeting, according to a RSNA source.