Spring 2005, Vol. 2, Issue 1

Y‑12's Ferret software, a "Best Technology," is expanding uses

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A Tennessee Ferret stood among the finalists at the World's Best Technologies Conference, March 28–30, in Texas. The Y‑12 inventors — Robert McGaffey, Michael Bell and Peter Kortman — created the patented information security software in 2000 to help Y‑12's authorized derivative classifiers analyze and classify sensitive documents.

Today Y‑12 uses Ferret for document classification in the site's Web-based Classification Resource System. Sandia National Laboratories has similarly used the software for weapons design information. Licensed to AreteQ, Inc., in Etowah, Tennessee, and renamed Q, the software adapts to various environments, assisting doctors, lawyers, insurers, billing agencies and computer help lines.

Of 74 final exhibits, Q was one of 25 chosen to be showcased. That special recognition could garner further financial backing. The conference aim is to present new and innovative technologies to venture capitalists and Fortune 500 information technology managers, says Al Klein, project manager for Work for Others applications of Ferret. About a third of last year's showcased technologies received between $1 million and $3 million each, he says.

"The software has great potential, especially in today's world," he continues. With all the emphasis on analyzing, sanitizing, protecting and redacting government information, "it's a natural."

AreteQ, Inc., is adapting and enhancing the computer code for commercial applications. A medical version will electronically examine physicians' notes and determine the evaluation and management codes for billing and insurance purposes, Klein explains. In legal applications Q "could protect proprietary-business or sensitive merger-and-acquisition information." In a recently awarded contract with a durable medical equipment supplier, Jaysec, in Athens, Tennessee, Q will be incorporated in a Web-based application that will answer, in everyday language, questions concerning home medical equipment qualifications and billing.

"It's like a help desk that will assist front-office in-take personnel in ensuring correct qualifications and Medicare billing information for the end-user," says Klein.

Y‑12 and AreteQ's collaboration has brought the technology full circle. Their license agreement allows for technology exchange so that each can benefit from the other's advancements in the technology. This has resulted in "new and improved Q code coming back to Y‑12 for document classification and, potentially, e-mail checking for sensitive content," says Klein. "It's a technology transfer success story."

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