EHTO is a strategic support action funded by the Healthier Application sector of the E.C.-DG13 Telematics Application Program.  EHTO envisages its independence for 1999, becoming a European institution (agency, association of foundation) willing to keep acting not only at the European Community level but world-wide.  The Observatory collects, analyses and makes available in a user-friendly form information on the domain of Health Telematics, contributing to its deployment and of Standards, in Europe.  The dissemination mechanisms also use multimedia tools, ranging from its World Wide Web, to a Virtual Demonstration Site and Electronic Journal.  Its innovative concept of National Languages Affiliated Sites represents another aspect of EHTO focused dissemination world-wide, and the NLAS Network is also a very interesting instrument for developing public-private partnerships.  A key objective of EHTO is helping user groups to define their requirements, decision-makers in their choice of telematics solutions and industry to deliver more appropriate products.