By taking Six Sigma to our healthcare customers, we have introduced an important catalyst to help them with this challenge. These are projects aimed at improving patient throughput and reducing variability in healthcare delivery. Digitization has transformed the way GE Medical Systems operates. By the end of 2001, we will have more than 8,000 systems in our installed base with Internet connectivity. This will improve customer workflow by offering online customer education, customer productivity data, software and application updates, and transactions.
Globalization is a central part of our growth strategy.
We experienced double-digit gains in every region of the world, and we have achieved strong growth in the Americas, Asia and many parts of Europe. We are accelerating the momentum of our Global Products Company, which has resulted in nearly half of our products being designed and manufactured in global platforms, including India, China, Mexico, Israel and Hungary. Acquisitions continue to enhance our growth. The acquisition, in 1999, of OEC Medical Systems has strengthened our position in the fast-growing interventional imaging segments. Our Women's Healthcare position was strengthened by the acquisition of Lunar, an innovator in the field of osteoporosis screening.