AdTools' Desktop Flu Tracker Selected as a 2005 MITX Awards Finalist

AdTools today announced its Roche Desktop Flu Tracker has been selected as a finalist in the Healthcare category for The 10th Annual MITX Awards. Produced by the Massachusetts Innovation & Technology Exchange, the MITX Awards recognize excellence in the creation of interactive technologies designed, produced or developed in New England.
Begun in 1996, the MITX Awards have grown to the largest and most prestigious awards competition in the country for technology innovations and celebrates the best creative and technological accomplishments emerging from New England.
“This is a special milestone for the organization and the commercial internet industry as a whole, both of which have seen significant change, myriad successes and unprecedented growth over the past decade. As technology advances, we will be at the forefront of those advancements.” said Kiki Mills, Executive Director of MITX. “Our awards finalists continue to raise the bar and their work is a true testament to how interactive technology has become a core technology for businesses across all industries, nonprofits and educational institutions.”
AdTools and Roche created the Desktop Flu Tracker to provide desktop alerts notifying the user of elevated flu levels in their area. With this knowledge the user knows when to contact their physician to find out if Tamiflu is right for them. This internet-connected application provides links to flu treatment information and includes an animated character who explains the difference between cold and flu. Up-to-date flu level information is automatically retrieved by the Flu Tracker application from FluSTAR (System for Tracking and Reporting Flu) servers. Desktop Alerts notify the user when flu infection has reached a level of concern in their area and includes information to help the user control or prevent flu symptoms. The Flu Tracker can be set to monitor two additional geographic areas for flu levels. The application includes animated “Basil” and flu bug characters to help educate the user to the difference between cold and flu. The application also features viral marketing tools which include a safe and signed Send-to-a-Friend mechanism, and Stay Well Now ecards.
“We’re very pleased to be working with Roche Laboratories, inc. on the Desktop Flu Tracker,” said Chris Heitmann, AdTools president. “Branded desktop applications (BDAs) are well suited to a pharmaceutical environment where compliance and long-term interaction are key to consumer satisfaction, and product use.”
AdTools will be recognized with the other finalists in the category of Healthcare at a gala awards ceremony traditionally attended by over 800 of the region’s top interactive technology and business professionals. Winners will be announced at the ceremony in the Boston Copley Place Marriott on Wednesday, November 2nd. Tickets can be purchased at www.mitxawards.org.
The 2005 MITX Awards program is sponsored by AOL, Doubleclick, Eyeblaster, IBM, Nixon Peabody LLP, Pointroll, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC and Backbone Media. Media partners are boston.com and Technology Review.
About AdTools
AdTools employs its proprietary Desktop Marketing Communications Technology platform to build turnkey internet-connected applications that create a brand relationship with the user directly on their computer desktop. AdTools has been building desktop communicators, screenmate animated characters, alerts, and groupware applications since 1997 for Fortune 500 and other major companies in industries such as consumer products, travel and leisure, and entertainment. More information is available at www.adtoolsinc.com.
About MITX
The Massachusetts Innovation & Technology Exchange (MITX) accelerates business opportunities and professional development for those who seek to create business advantage through the innovative application of technology and services. Serving more than 2,500 members from multiple industries including Internet, interactive marketing, healthcare, and financial services, MITX is the region’s premier association for thought leadership, technology trends, building business relationships and professional training and development. MITX also offers its members the chance to promote their companies to targeted audiences through sponsorships, speaking opportunities and networking. MITX is headquartered in Cambridge. For more information please go to www.mitx.org.

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