Zen Engineering Network, a technology solutions provider for the digital radiology industry, announced the expansion of their partnership with CHILI GmbH and the subsequent formation of CHILI U.S.A Inc. CHILI U.S.A Inc. will serve as the U.S. support and distribution center for Linux-based CHILI PACS radiology software products and services.

The CHILI software suite is IHE compliant and includes an ergonomically designed diagnostic workstation client, a web enabled delivery engine for clinical archive access and a fully integrated cooperative tele-radiology system. Modules for extending the platform include enterprise storage management interfaces and diagnostic enhancements such as three dimensional rendering and multi-planar image reconstruction.

Zen Engineering Network is a privately held IT engineering and design organization with headquarters in Jersey City, New Jersey. Linux and other Open Source technologies are used as a primary vehicle for delivering cost efficient enterprise solutions while strategic alliances with hardware and software manufacturers enable Zen Engineering Network to provide a comprehensive storefront of technology infrastructure and services.

In 2004, Zen Engineering Network launched a "Linux for Healthcare" initiative to address the demand for low-cost healthcare information systems. Through this effort, vendors were identified that utilized Open Source technology to lower costs for their customers and an array of service offerings were created to facilitate migration to these solutions. An alliance with CHILI GmbH was formed to leverage their digital radiology solution in China. Deployments in this region enabled hospitals to make the transition from film to digital, leading to lower costs in regards to overall radiology spending.

CHILI U.S.A is a new joint venture between Zen Engineering Network and CHILI GmbH for distribution and support of turn-key healthcare appliances and diagnostic workstations powered by CHILI PACS software. The Linux based appliances form building blocks with which system architects and radiology service providers can organically grow and adapt their PACS infrastructure. Built on the CHILI PACS platform, the appliances are likewise modular in nature and are field upgradeable. An integrated "phone home" feature creates a secure link between each appliance and central support services.

 This link is used for remote monitoring, diagnostics and a managed product update service. Among the product offerings are appliances optimized for PACS routing, wide area distribution and secure third-party access. CHILI Workstations are available in models appropriate for all types of diagnostic imaging. The product line includes a low-cost Linux-based clinical workstation as well as high-end diagnostic workstations with up to four 5MP DICOM calibrated displays. CHILI Workstations will continue to support all major operating systems including Linux, Windows, and OSX.

Direct sales and implementation services for CHILI U.S.A products will be accomplished through a distributed partner network. Zen Engineering Network will join this network as a premiere partner and continue to provide enterprise-ready digital radiology solutions based on CHILI products.