Siilo Notches €4.5 Million For Medical Messaging App

To help get its messaging service before more doctors, a messaging app geared toward medical professionals has notched €4.5 million in funding. The service, which is called Siilo, lets this audience collaborate on patient care through a messaging app that is encrypted, according to reports.

The app seeks to ensure that photos, files and videos are kept private by storing them in an encrypted vault. In addition, messages on the platform are programmed to be deleted after 30 days, but a user can elect to keep a message. At the same time, the app also doesn’t store back-ups of conversations by default and images can be blurred on the platform to protect patient privacy.

In terms of other security features, users have to access the app through a fingerprint, PIN code or facial recognition biometric. And, if a user’s device is stolen or misplaced, he or she can wipe locally stored data. In all, the data is stored on servers that are certified European ISO-27001 and is removed as soon as possible.

The news comes as consumer messaging apps like WhatsApp are expanding into the business market, the instant messaging and voice over internet provider (VoIP) service company announced in mid-January. According to reports, it is allowing business accounts for the first time ever.

In a blog post at the time, the Facebook-owned messaging app company said it was launching WhatsAppBusiness, a free Android app targeted at small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). WhatsApp noted the new app will make it easier for small businesses to connect with customers, including its existing 1.3 billion users.

“People all around the world use WhatsApp to connect with small businesses they care about — from online clothing companies in India to auto parts stores in Brazil,” the company wrote. “But WhatsApp was built for people and we want to improve the business experience. For example, by making it easier for businesses to respond to customers, separating customer and personal messages and creating an official presence.”