Thursday, June 16, 2011

Web-based Wellness Program 411Fit Goes Commercial

The Web-based health and wellness management system 411Fit is now a stand-alone commercial venture, demonstrating the University’s ability to foster entrepreneurial enterprises.

Experienced business executive Terry Montgomery is president and CEO of 411Fit LLC. When he first reviewed 411Fit, he discovered “a very effective exercise and nutrition journaling site. As I dug deeper and saw the brilliance of the development that had gone on, it was obvious that the uniqueness of 411Fit was in its architecture, functional breadth, versatility and ease of use…all at a modest cost to demonstrate a true return on investment for a company’s wellness program.”

411Fit was created through the Software Solutions Lab in the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI). The lab, recognized for its expertise in social networking and data analytics, provides software research and design consultancy and world-class information technology services to the University and the greater Charlotte business community. David Wood, a Web developer with the lab, was one of the founders of 411Fit.

“We started with creating a capability for individuals but our vision was to provide an easy-to-use tool that could be the foundation for a successful corporate wellness program,” said Wood.

According to Montgomery, the vision for 411Fit is to simplify the design and management of wellness programs and put the power of the software’s data analytics to work. The site will deliver ready access to cost-effective wellness management for companies, health professionals and organizations.

411Fit brings together journaling, content, social networking, data analytics and insight into a highly usable website, stated Montgomery. “While existing Web-based wellness management technologies may include one or more features independently, 411Fit offers a comprehensive approach for individuals and corporations.”

Since 2009, developers have worked with eight universities to refine the technology; it was later released for free to the public for further testing. Without any promotional efforts, more than 30,000 registered users have discovered 411Fit.

Mirsad Hadzikadic, director of the CCI Complex Systems Institute, is a recognized expert in the field of predictive analytics. He sees the capability of 411Fit to address the growing needs of corporate health and wellness programs. “From the very beginning, we saw the potential of using data analytics in the field of health and wellness in conjunction with Web-based technologies to improve the well-being of our communities.”

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