Varian Medical acquires software developer

Argus Software, a supplier of specialized radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging software, has become part of the oncology systems business of Varian Medical Systems. The privately held company's software automates the collection of quality control and test data for radiation equipment. Details of the acquisition, which was announced Jan. 16, were not disclosed. Argus software will be added to Varian's radiation oncology products, according to the company. The acquisition could reduce Varian's time-to-market for future products, including a software module capable of automating intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), the company said. This module could accelerate the clinical adoption of IMRT, which is already moving fast. The number of cancer centers offering Varian's IMRT product SmartBeam more than doubled to 92 in 2001 from 40 the year before.