Wal-Mart Throughs Hat Into The Digital Health Record Ring

Wal-Mart has made its intentions known regarding digital health records announcing that it will be partnering its Sam’s Club division with Dell for hardware and eClinicalWorks, for software, to offer physicians in small offices an affordable solution. “We’re a high-volume, low-cost company,” said Marcus Osborne, senior director for health care business development at Wal-Mart. “And I would argue that mentality is sorely lacking in the health care industry.” According to the New York Times "Dell will be responsible for installation of the computers, while eClinicalWorks will handle software installation, training and maintenance. Wal-Mart is using its buying power for discounts on both the hardware and software."

Wal-Mart To Get Exclusive Rights To AC/DC Version Of Rock Band

Wal-Mart has inked a deal with MTV that will see it get the exclusive rights to sell AC/DC Live: Rock Band Track Pack in the United States through Wal-Mart stores, Sam's Club, and the Wal-Mart website (walmart.com). In the deal, Wal-Mart will create a special area in each of its stores to display AC/DC's new album "Black Ice" and the Rock Band game, as well as other CDs, DVDs, T-shirts, and licensed AC/DC clothing. “If you want to be a physical band, you better make an alliance with a strong physical retailer,” said Steve Barnett, chairman of Columbia Records. “It’s a great way to sell the new album, the catalog, the game, merchandise and DVDs.” The game, is scheduled for release for all consoles in early November, and will reportedly cost less than most new games, selling for about $40 instead of the traditional $60 range. This price point works well for Wal-Mart which has always aimed to be a price leader. New York Times article.

Walmart.com Offers Free Classifieds

A new free classified ad service was launched in late May on Walmart.com and is currently in beta release. “Our new classifieds beta at Walmart.com provides an expanded offering of products and services, the majority of which are not traditionally available from Wal-Mart,” said Walmart.com spokesman, Ravi Jariwala, in an e-mailed statement. The service is being powered by Oodle and Jariwala says “As a matter of policy, we don't disclose financial data or details of the agreement,” Would you put equal trust in Wal-Mart as you do say Craigslist? Interesting...
Source: Globe and Mail.

Wal-Mart Backs Blu-ray

In what could be a finishing blow to Toshiba's HD DVD format, Wal-Mart has decided to sell high-definition DVDs in the Blu-Ray format exclusively. “We've listened to our customers, who are showing a clear preference toward Blu-ray products and movies with their purchases,” said Gary Severson, Wal-Mart senior vice president on the company's web site yesterday. The move comes days after Netflix put it's support behind Blu-ray, as did consumer electronics chain Best Buy. I don't think I'd be incline to by an HD DVD player now, it's only a matter of time until Toshiba throws in the towel. The only thing that might save the format is the availability of write-able discs and drives but it looks like movies will be published and distributed on Blu-ray.