MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 4, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vital Images, Inc. (Nasdaq:VTAL), a leading provider of advanced visualization and analysis software for healthcare providers, was named a Tekne Award winner in the "Software & Hardware, Communications and Infrastructure" category for the 2010 Tekne Awards. The Tekne Awards honor companies, innovations and individuals that positively impact Minnesota's technology-based economy.
Vital Images has set the industry standard in next generation, advanced visualization software for more than 20 years. The company's software enables the visualization and analysis of 2D, 3D and 4D images of anatomy and physiological function using CT (computed tomography) and MR (magnetic resonance) scan data, giving medical specialists time-saving, Web accessible tools for greater productivity. Vital Images was previously recognized as a 2005 Tekne Award winner in the "Emerging Medical Technology" category.
"We are committed to developing innovative healthcare solutions that lower costs and improve patient care," said Michael H. Carrel, president and chief executive officer of Vital Images. "To that end, we are honored to be recognized with a Tekne Award."
Playing a significant role in bringing new technology to life, the 2010 Tekne Award recipients represent large global companies, as well as small entrepreneurial ventures, that have helped reinforce Minnesota's place as one of the most competitive and technologically advanced regions in the world. Judges selected one recipient out of the three finalists in each of the 12 Tekne Award categories, recognizing the best and brightest in development, education, commercialization and management of technology. Some awards included separate categories for small and growing businesses (with annual revenues under $50 million) and established businesses (with annual revenues of $50 million or more).
"This year's recipients, once again, raised the bar with the quality and originality of their entries and should all be very proud of their accomplishments," said Mary Frances Schurb, interim president of MHTA. "We are thrilled to recognize Vital Images for its proven leadership and commitment to technology development in Minnesota.
This year's Tekne Awards ceremony was emceed by Paul Douglas, author, entrepreneur and meteorologist. Senator Amy Klobuchar addressed attendees at the evening's ceremony. As the chair of the Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion, Klobuchar has been a leading voice in calling for an innovation agenda that will grow our economy and create jobs in America. A list of 2010 Tekne Award recipients and finalists is available online at .
About Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA)
The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) accelerates the growth, sustainability and global competitiveness of Minnesota's technology-based economy through public policy advocacy, member collaboration and education, and community outreach. MHTA is the only membership organization that represents Minnesota's entire technology-based economy. MHTA members include organizations of every size − involved in virtually every aspect of technology creation, production, application and education in Minnesota. MHTA works in partnership with TechAmerica, which represents Minnesota's technology organizations nationally. Find out more online at or follow MHTA on Twitter at .
About Vital Images
Vital Images, Inc. is a leading provider of advanced visualization and analysis software for physicians and healthcare specialists. The company's software provides users productivity and communication tools to improve patient care that can be accessed throughout the enterprise anytime, anywhere via the Web. Established in 1988 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Vital Images also has offices in Europe and Asia. For more information, visit .
The Vital Images, Inc. logo is available at
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by that Act. These statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause results to differ materially from those projected, including but not limited to dependence on market growth, challenges associated with international expansion, the ability to predict product, customer and geographic sales mix, fluctuations in interest rates, regulatory approvals, the timely introduction, availability and acceptance of new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, dependence on major customers, the ability to successfully manage operating costs, fluctuations in quarterly results, approval of products for reimbursement and the level of reimbursement, and other factors detailed from time to time in Vital Images' SEC reports, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. Vital Images encourages you to consider all of these risks, uncertainties and other factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this release. As a result of these matters, changes in facts, assumptions not being realized or other circumstances, the company's actual results may differ materially from the expected results discussed in the forward-looking statements contained in this release. The forward-looking statements made in this release are made only as of the date of this release, and the company undertakes no obligation to update them to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
CONTACT: Vital Images, Inc. Kim Tucker, Director Marketing Communications (952) 487-9500 www.vitalimages.com