B0403
1
Part B - Information Systems and Information Technology Solutions B.4.3. Selecting a Systems Architecture Building, implementing, and managing systems in an open and distributed environment is a very complex endeavor. As the user evaluates new solutions, the possible technological infrastructure options provide the backdrop for a consistent methodology for assessing the fit of a solution, from both a functional and an architectural perspective. Such detailed evaluation of alternatives will permit reaching informed decisions regarding the balance of short-term needs against long term objectives. Of course, there will still be situations where short- term needs outweigh the desire to fully comply with the open architecture, resulting perhaps in the implementation of one or more proprietary systems. However, these decisions should also be informed decisions, with the pros and cons of these decisions clearly understood in advance, and plans for evolution over time set in place from the onset. In developing countries, it is important to consider the technological infrastructure of the health services institution when evaluating systems architecture. Regional differences in technical infrastructure, telecommunications capabilities, and IS&T personnel resources bring an additional factor to bear on IS&T decisions. Also, it is important to consider the "life expectancy" of any system and the rapid growth and early maturity that characterize today's systems. Users must be especially careful to avoid investing in systems prone to early obsolescence.
description
B0403
Transcript of B0403
-
Part B - Information Systems and Information Technology Solutions
B.4.3. Selecting a Systems Architecture
Building, implementing, and managing systems in an open and distributed environment is a verycomplex endeavor. As the user evaluates new solutions, the possible technological infrastructureoptions provide the backdrop for a consistent methodology for assessing the fit of a solution, fromboth a functional and an architectural perspective.
Such detailed evaluation of alternatives will permit reaching informed decisions regarding the balanceof short-term needs against long term objectives. Of course, there will still be situations where short-term needs outweigh the desire to fully comply with the open architecture, resulting perhaps in theimplementation of one or more proprietary systems. However, these decisions should also beinformed decisions, with the pros and cons of these decisions clearly understood in advance, andplans for evolution over time set in place from the onset.
In developing countries, it is important to consider the technological infrastructure of the healthservices institution when evaluating systems architecture. Regional differences in technicalinfrastructure, telecommunications capabilities, and IS&T personnel resources bring an additionalfactor to bear on IS&T decisions. Also, it is important to consider the "life expectancy" of any systemand the rapid growth and early maturity that characterize today's systems. Users must be especiallycareful to avoid investing in systems prone to early obsolescence.
