Executive Summary

Hewlett-Packard is to integrate Aspect Medical Systems' Bispectral Index (BIS) technology into its Viridia 24/265 and Viridia CMS patient monitors under a worldwide licensing agreement. Non-invasive BIS monitoring provides a direct measurement of the effects of anaesthesia on the brain, via a sensor placed on the forehead to capture EEG signals. Under the agreement, HP will assist in the distribution of Aspect's stand-alone A-2000 BIS monitor and BIS sensors outside the US. Separately, HP has announced that its test and measurement company, which is being spun-off from the computer and printer business, will be called Agilent Technologies.