It is hot and sultry here in New Orleans. Heard some great blues last night. But I really have been working. Here's what I came across today. Hospira released their MedNet system -- I'd tell you more, but the press release didn't stay out too late last night.

Emergin was once again the vendor who was everywhere, but had no booth. They were in the Spacelabs, Alaris and Philips booths providing the software for alarm management and communications. As an aside, Philips introduced two new monitors at this show; I'll go by tomorrow and check them out.

Welch Allyn introduced a new monitor, the Propaq LT. Here's part of their 510k submission. More on this later.

B Braun wasn't at HIMSS so I haven't done a write up of their smart pump yet. They've wirelessly enabled their 100, 200 and (at this show) their 300 pumps. They will complete the line with the 400 by the end of this year. Here's a story from 2002 on both Alaris and B Braun smart pumps -- you will get a feel for how long they've been at this (since 2001) and how well they've delivered on their promises.

It's almost time for dinner. Welch Allyn, the sponsor of our Sunrise Session tomorrow, is talking my co-presenter Cheryl Batchelor and I out tonight. The good news it's a good creole restaurant, the bad news is I can't wear shorts.